Keir Starmer’s Labor Party is heading for a landslide victory.
London:
Labor leader Keir Starmer is on course to replace Rishi Sunak as Britain’s prime minister, with early election results pointing to a landslide loss for the Conservatives. The first month of a Keir Starmer premiership will be a whirlwind of international diplomacy, including meetings with US President Joe Biden and European leaders.
Labor, which has been out of power since 2010, has promised a foreign policy of “progressive realism”, with the world becoming more unstable “because it is not as we would like it to be”, said David Lammy, expected to become foreign secretary .
The party has also pledged to “make Brexit work” and push for an “ambitious” security pact with the European Union.
Another important aspect of Starmer’s foreign policy agenda will be strengthening relations between Britain and India. Starmer has acknowledged historic missteps, particularly Labour’s position on issues such as Kashmir, and has pledged to forge a new strategic partnership with India. His commitment to a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and enhanced bilateral cooperation on technology, security, education and climate change underlines his ambition to improve relations with one of the world’s fastest growing economies.
His manifesto included a commitment to pursue a “new strategic partnership” with India, emphasizing the trade deal.
In an effort to mend strained ties with the Indian diaspora in Britain, Starmer embarked on domestic outreach efforts during his campaign, denouncing Hinduphobia and celebrating cultural festivals such as Diwali and Holi. These gestures are aimed at promoting greater trust and inclusivity within British Indian communities, a demographic vital to Labour’s electoral calculus.
However, there are challenges on the path to achieving Starmer’s ambitious foreign policy goals, particularly in the areas of immigration policy and trade deals. With the two sides agreeing on the need to reduce immigration, negotiations over temporary visas for Indian workers in the British services sector represent a delicate balancing act for Labour.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s last-minute attempt to convince voters appears to have failed. The Conservatives warned voters that choosing Labor would lead to higher taxes. Led by Keir Starmer, the Labor Party is currently ahead with 220 seats, while Rishi Sunak’s party has won just 31. To secure victory, a party must win 326 seats in the 650-member House of Commons.
