AA / London / Mehmet Solmaz
Keir Starmer is a 61-year-old centrist British politician born in London. He has had an illustrious career, from the courtrooms to the corridors of Westminster. Raised in a working-class family, Starmer’s early life was marked by a commitment to education and public service.
He attended Reigate Grammar School before studying law at the University of Leeds and later at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford University. Starmer’s legal career began in earnest as a barrister, where he quickly established himself as a formidable figure in the field of human rights.
His legal acumen and dedication earned him the position of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in 2008, a position he held until 2013. During his tenure as DPP, Starmer was known for his work on complex and high-profile cases and for implementing significant reforms within the Crown Prosecution Service.
– Transition to politics and leadership
Starmer’s transition to active politics came in 2015, when he was elected as MP for Holborn and St Pancras. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Labour Party, holding key positions in the shadow cabinet, including that of shadow Brexit secretary.
Starmer’s meticulous approach and legal training made him a prominent voice in debates over the UK’s exit from the European Union. In April 2020, he was elected leader of the Labour Party, succeeding Jeremy Corbyn.
Starmer’s leadership has been characterised by a policy of unity and pragmatism. He has sought to distance the party from the controversies of the Corbyn era, while emphasising the importance of social justice, economic competence and rebuilding ties with dissident Labour voters.
– Challenges and future prospects
Since his rise to Labour leader, Starmer has faced significant challenges, including internal divisions within the party and the broader political landscape shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure has seen mixed electoral results, with notable successes and setbacks.
Despite these challenges, Starmer said he remained committed to his vision of a fairer and more equal UK.
“This is the honour and privilege of my life. I will do everything in my power to lead us through these difficult times, to serve all of our communities and to fight for the good of our country,” he said.
– Foreign policy and criticism of the position on the war in Gaza
As Labour leader, Starmer has said he seeks to reposition the party on the world stage, emphasizing strong alliances with traditional partners like the US and the EU, while advocating a robust response to global challenges such as climate change and international security.
However, Starmer’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has drawn significant criticism from within his party and from outside observers. Starmer has faced backlash over his lack of support for Palestinian rights and his reluctance to take a strong stance against Israeli government policies.
Critics say his approach has alienated many Labour Party members who denounce the Israeli occupation and the war in Palestine. This controversy has been highlighted by the resignations of key Labour figures and a backlash from rank-and-file members of the party, who felt that Starmer’s position departed from Labour’s historic support for Palestinian self-determination.
After decades of strong support, the Labour Party has seen a sharp decline in support from the Muslim community in the UK, largely due to its leader Keir Starmer’s pro-Israel stance.
In last month’s local elections, in 58 local wards analysed by the BBC, where more than a fifth of residents are Muslim, Labour’s share of the vote fell by 21% compared to the 2021 election.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also stood as an independent in last Thursday’s general election, after representing the London constituency of Islington North for more than 40 years, saying he wanted to be “an independent voice for equality, democracy and peace”.
Since Israel began its deadly offensive on Gaza last October, nearly 70 Labour MPs have defied party policy and called for a ceasefire in the besieged enclave. Around 100 councillors have resigned from the Labour Party in the process.
* Translated from English by Mounir Bennour.
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