Keir Starmer Becomes UK’s New Prime Minister. What Does It Mean for Ukraine?

Leader of the Labour Party Keir Starmer declared in London early on July 5, that “change begins now,” following the party’s firm victory, which ended 14 years of Conservative rule in the UK’s general elections the previous day.

Starmer, a 61-year-old former lawyer and barrister, who assumed Labour’s leadership four years ago, is set to visit Buckingham Palace within hours to meet King Charles and commence his tenure as prime minister.

Since taking over, Corbyn’s successor Keir Starmer, has worked to shed the party’s image by aligning closely with the Conservative government on foreign policy and showing “unshakeable commitment” to NATO and the war in Ukraine.

“The last thing anyone in Ukraine wants is to see political parties back in the UK squabbling about something that is life or death for them,” Starmer said in one of his pre-election interviews in May.

Labour has pledged “steadfast” military, financial, diplomatic, and political support. Labour’s manifesto also calls for helping lay out a path for Ukraine toward NATO membership.

Incoming Prime Minister Starmer and his party have committed to addressing British economic challenges and the domestic cost-of-living crisis with a fresh approach. However, they have indicated no significant departure from the outgoing government’s strong military and diplomatic support for Ukraine in its war against Russia’s invasion.

Labour has not only focused on convincing the British public but has also reached out internationally. In May, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey travelled to Kyiv on May 14 to reassure their Ukrainian counterparts that a UK Labour government would fully support Ukraine’s war efforts.

“The Labour Party’s support for Ukraine is unwavering. There may be changes in the UK government this year, but the UK’s determination to support Ukraine will not change. The Labour Party fully supports increased UK assistance to Ukraine this year and in the years to come,” said David Lammy and John Healey.

Healey has also said Labour would shift procurement onto an “urgent operational footing” to support Ukraine and replenish British stocks for any future conflicts.

Starmer’s First Visit to Ukraine, Seeing Bucha and Irpin

In February 2023, Starmer made an unannounced visit to Kyiv, marking his first trip to Ukraine. During his visit, he travelled to Bucha and Irpin, sites of Russian war crimes amid the full-scale war.

“It’s incredible to see the evidence of atrocities that I’ve seen this morning. Photographs of civilians in the outskirts of Kyiv blindfolded, with their arms tied behind their back,” he told UK broadcaster ITV. “There has to be justice in The Hague and there has to be proper reparation in the rebuilding of Ukraine.”

“Should there be an election next year and a change of government, the position on Ukraine will remain the same,” Starmer said while visiting the town of Irpin.

Starmer also met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They discussed the situation at the front, sanctions, the confiscation of Russian assets, their allocation for Ukraine’s reconstruction, and the establishment of a special tribunal for Russia.

During the visit, the Labour leader affirmed that Ukraine would always have the “steadfast support” of his party.

Shortly after the results of the polls came out on July 5, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Keir Starmer and the Labour Party on their victory in the parliamentary elections.

“Ukraine and Great Britain have been and will remain reliable allies. We will continue to defend and advance our shared values of life, liberty, and a rules-based international order.”

Zelenskyy wrote on his Twitter (X), adding: “I wish the new government every success in both domestic affairs and in strengthening Great Britain’s leadership on the world stage. I look forward to working closely together to enhance the Ukrainian-British partnership and restore international peace and security.”