Keir Starmer’s Mission to Rebuild ‘Bridges Tories Have Destroyed’

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Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour party leader, sets out a bold vision for Britain’s global position and promises to repair the damage caused by the Tories. He aims to establish himself as a key player on the international stage.

Starmer plans to meet various world leaders, including Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, at a conference of centre-left politicians in Montreal. He will then visit Paris upon the invitation of Emmanuel Macron, the President of France.

In Montreal, the UK’s opposition leader will declare his commitment to rebuild Britain’s international partnerships, which he believes have been weakened by the aftermath of Brexit and undermined by the Conservative government led by Rishi Sunak.

Starmer will challenge Sunak to unequivocally state his opposition to Conservative MPs who advocate for Britain’s withdrawal from the European Convention of Human Rights.

At the Global Progress Action Summit, Starmer will assert Labour’s unwavering support for the ECHR and argue that Sunak’s indecision is detrimental to Britain’s global influence and its ability to lead on the world stage.

Sunak has argued that his plan to relocate cross-channel migrants to Rwanda is in line with Britain’s international obligations, including the ECHR. However, the policy is currently facing legal challenges.

Downing Street stated on Friday that their Illegal Migration Act will bring about necessary changes to discourage illegal crossings while ensuring compliance with the ECHR.

Regarding speculation that Sunak might consider leaving the ECHR if the Rwanda policy is deemed illegal, the government has refrained from commenting.

Starmer, who actively campaigned for Remain in the 2016 Brexit referendum, believes that even the slightest hint of leaving the ECHR would place Britain on the same level as Russia and Belarus.

He demands that Sunak stand up to the destructive forces within his party and prioritize British security over partisan interests.

Sunak, however, argues that he has already enhanced Britain’s reputation on the world stage by resolving the Northern Ireland post-Brexit trade dispute with the EU.

The Prime Minister has additionally secured a defence pact with the US and Australia, as well as political agreements with Macron and US President Joe Biden. He is scheduled to host an international summit on artificial intelligence in November.

In contrast, Starmer presents a more somber outlook, warning of instability stemming from climate change, human trafficking, terrorism, and threats to democracy.

He asserts that after years of diminishing influence, the future hinges on reclaiming the shattered alliances sacrificed by the Tories.

Starmer recently visited The Hague for discussions with Europol, the EU’s crime agency, and announced plans to negotiate a returns agreement with Brussels if Labour wins the upcoming general election.

This policy has faced strong criticism from the Conservatives, with the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, accusing Starmer of turning Britain into a “dumping ground” for illegally arrived migrants from EU countries.