From a human rights barrister to Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer promises that, if they win Thursday's general election, his government would push for a 'new strategic partnership' with India, including a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Keir Starmer Transformed Labour Party's Fortunes
Before venturing into politics, Keir spent most of his career in the legal profession. He was elected as a Labour Party MP from London in 2015. The 61-year-old father of two credits the 2019 general election as pivotal in reversing Labour Party's luck post their worst electoral performance. His wife, Victoria, works for the National Health Service (NHS), and they have chosen to keep their children away from the limelight.
'This is a Changed Labour Party'
Starmer has rekindled Labour Party's ties with Indian expatriates weakened by a purported anti-India stance on Kashmir. At the India Global Forum last year, he emphasized creating an environment for robust India-UK relations by stating, 'I have a clear message for all of you... this is a changed Labour Party.'
He further added, 'My Labour government will establish relations with India based on our shared democratic values, including a Free Trade Agreement. We also seek a new strategic partnership for global security, climate security, and economic security.'
These objectives have been incorporated into the 2024 Election Manifesto, which is 'committed to a new strategic partnership with India, including a Free Trade Agreement and strengthened cooperation in security, education, technology, and climate change sectors.'
Aiming to Regain Power After 14 Years in Opposition
Last week, during his campaign, Keir visited Shri Swaminarayan Temple in North London’s Kingsbury to reassure British Hindus that 'there is no place for Hinduphobia in Britain.' It is a message he has reiterated during Diwali and Holi in recent years, intending to bring Labour back to power after 14 years in opposition.
Mother Passed Away Weeks Before Becoming MP
Keir was born in Oxted, London, to a toolmaker father and an NHS nurse mother. While discussing his mother, Josephine, who suffered from a debilitating illness, Keir often gets emotional. Her passing weeks before he became an MP in 2015 left a deep imprint on him. He believes he inherited her patience and resilience and his father Rodney’s strong work ethic.
In a recent interview with 'The Sunday Times,' he mentioned, 'My dad worked in a factory. I understand the indignities he faced there, and it affected me deeply. He was dismissed from the company and felt very isolated.' He emphasized, 'That's why I'll never treat people disrespectfully.'
Distinguished Himself from the Old Party Line
Much like Rishi Sunak, Keir has an Oxford background where he studied law and ascended to the rank of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in a Labour-led government. Following Labour's defeat in the 2019 general election, Keir emerged as the party leader, emphasizing distinct shifts from previous party lines and a manifesto centered on addressing housing, economy, and NHS concerns.
What is Keir's Foreign Policy?
In foreign policy, Labour is expected to continue supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. However, there may be some changes in perspective regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict, as Labour plans to halt arms sales to Israel and advance towards recognizing a Palestinian state.
'Vote for Change'
Keir's theme and message for the general election are clear: 'If you want change, you need to vote for it.' He has worked tirelessly to secure a clear lead for his party ahead of the elections. He stated, 'If given the chance, we will govern as we have transformed the Labour Party, which means pulling the country out of its current 'bad situation' and making it better.'
