The Guardian view on priorities for a new prime minister: foreign policy cannot be an afterthought
Keir Starmer came to power without a strategic concept of post-Brexit Britain’s place in the world. His successor must not repeat that mistake
TL;DR
- Keir Starmer's premiership suffered from a lack of strategic concept for post-Brexit Britain's global position.
- His successor, Andy Burnham, must avoid the mistake of prioritizing domestic issues over international affairs.
- Domestic crises like the cost of living are linked to global events such as energy price shocks from distant wars.
- Starmer's cautious approach to Brexit and over-reliance on the US special relationship hindered effective foreign policy.
- A new prime minister needs to actively address Brexit Britain's uncertain place in the world, not defer engagement.
- Burnham's focus on 'relentless domestic focus' might be insufficient for leading the country.