5 Critical Impacts of the Gaza War and China Ties: Over to Keir Starmer, Next PM of the UK
Keir Starmer is all set to be the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Of course, big plans for long-term growth will be put in place, but the first few months in office will bring a lot of stern decisions.
Foreign Affairs
US Relations
Personalize: Keir Starmer has been clear that he will work with whichever United States president is in power, saying that the UK and US relationship is much more binding than any head of state. He is expected to attend the U.S.-hosted NATO Summit, which will take place from July 9-11 and is expected to be a major international event.
Starmer has ruled out returning to the single market or customs union. But he is trying to remove some trade barriers to make life easier for smaller firms battling higher costs and more paperwork. Labour, on its part, intends to strike deals that would ease border checks on some goods and mutually recognize some professional qualifications, making life easier both for British farmers and importers alike.
Ukraine
The UK is set to provide £3 billion ($3.8 billion) in military aid to Ukraine this year, and continued support will likely be needed in the future. Labour’s manifesto states: “With Labour, the UK’s support for Ukraine will remain strong.”
Gaza
Starmer has said he wants it to achieve statehood though only in the middle of the process of peace. The new Labour manifesto supports the two-state solution of a secure Israel with a viable working Palestinian state along.
China
The country’s ambassador was summoned in February for cyber-attacks and espionage against the UK. Labor ensures that there is a long-term, strategic way forward in dealing with relationships with China, politically balancing interests that are manipulated economically with security.
Domestic Affairs
TATA Steel
The new government needs to finalize a £500 million ($635 million) support package for Tata Steel to build a lower-carbon electric arc furnace. Tata, the UK’s largest steel producer, plans to shut down one of its blast furnaces in September, potentially costing up to 2,800 jobs at Port Talbot in South Wales. Unions hope the new government will negotiate a better deal to save some jobs.
Water
And another big problem: sewage pollution due to private water companies. On 11 July the regulator is going to decide by how much these companies can hike bills – by double digits. The companies claim they need more money to improve infrastructure, and on quite an issue with sewage spills. On their part, critics claim they have preferred paying dividends in place of investing in this area.
The JR doctors
Junior medics have been on strike a number of times in the last 18 months, the latest round of action ending on July 2.They are seeking a 35% pay increase, having been offered an average 10% rise. The strikes have heaped further pressure on the NHS, which has seen waiting lists for non-urgent treatments almost double to 8 million in four years. Labour’s health spokesman, Wes Streeting, pledged to negotiate an end to the strikes.
Royal Mail
Royal Mail, which has been delivering letters for 500 years, is to be sold to Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky as part of a £3.57bn deal. The government has the ability to intervene and stop an acquisition under the National Security and Investment Act if it is decided it is in some way damaging national security. Labour said it agreed to make sure Kretinsky’s undertakings were honoured for five years but might look more closely at the deal now it has taken office in government.
Shein
Shein, the Chinese-founded fast fashion retailer, has reportedly filed for a potential London listing later this year. Labour is said to be supportive of the deal that would strengthen the UK market, but there remain concerns regarding the labour practices and supply chain of Shein, as well as how it avails itself of an import tax exemption.
Conclusion
Keir Starmer will find it hard when he becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. On the other hand, his activities, especially with regard to the situation in Gaza, are likely to draw great attention toward him. How effective he will become will depend on whether he can balance the art of international diplomacy with acute national problems. This is the time when the entire world will be looking at the way he handles these tricky situations.
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