science
Starmer Pledges Closer EU Ties in Speech
Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a speech on May 11, 2026, promising bolder action on growth, defence, energy and Europe after Labour suffered heavy losses in local elections. He said incremental change would not suffice and pledged to rebuild Britain's relationship with the EU without abandoning manifesto red lines on the single market or customs union.
May 10, 3:35 PM·3m read24 sources
+21
news.sky.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer told lawmakers on Monday that incremental change will not meet the challenges facing Britain as he sought to quell a growing revolt within the Labour Party following heavy losses in last week's local elections. Starmer said the government must deliver a bigger response on growth, defence, Europe and energy because these are not ordinary times.
He pledged to put Britain at the heart of Europe by rebuilding relations with the EU while staying within the red lines set in Labour's manifesto that rule out rejoining the single market or a customs union. The speech in the House of Commons came after the party lost almost 1,500 seats in local elections across England as well as votes in Scotland and Wales.
The results have been interpreted as a verdict on Starmer's government, which has struggled to deliver promised economic growth, repair public services and ease the cost of living.
Dozens of Labour MPs have publicly called for Starmer to resign or set a timetable for his departure. Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner issued a strong warning on Sunday, stating what the party is doing is not working and needs to change. She accused the government of presiding over a toxic culture of cronyism and said it must stay true to labour and social democratic values.
Rayner added that this may be the party's last chance. Health secretary Wes Streeting and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham have been mentioned as potential leadership contenders, though neither has yet called for Starmer to step down. Catherine West, a former Foreign Office minister, said she will challenge Starmer for the leadership if she remains dissatisfied after his speech.
West acknowledged she does not yet have the 81 names needed to trigger a formal contest but indicated her move was intended to force others to act.
Starmer told the Commons he will use the next EU summit to rebuild Britain's relationship with Europe. He said closer ties would strengthen the country on the economy, trade, defence and other areas because standing shoulder to shoulder with nations that share Britain's interests and values is the right choice.
