While walking the red carpet under the South African sun at the G20 summit, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's thoughts were never far from the political storms awaiting him back in the UK.
Sophie Huskisson, a political correspondent who accompanied the PM, observed that the two-day summit in Johannesburg provided a stark contrast to the icy political climate at home, where the government faces a testing period.
Domestic Pressures Loom Large
As world leaders gathered for high-level talks, the impending Autumn Budget, scheduled for November 26, was a persistent concern for the Prime Minister. The significance of the moment was underscored by a dramatic change in weather; during a break from international diplomacy to conduct TV interviews about the UK, the sunny skies gave way to thunder, lightning, and lashing rain.
It was against this backdrop that Starmer steeled himself, reminding voters of his past political battles. "You'll remember when I took over the Labour Party, many people said you'll never be able to change the Labour Party," he stated. "Then... they said after the 2019 election result, you'll never be able to win the next election. And we did." He expressed his firm belief that the country could be changed for the better, a story he hopes will be reinforced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the upcoming budget.
International Stage and Ukraine Diplomacy
Despite the domestic focus, the G20 summit agenda was heavily dominated by the war in Ukraine. On the second day of his visit, Starmer engaged in a packed schedule of crunch talks with G7 allies.
The leaders collaborated on a joint statement rejecting parts of Donald Trump's proposed peace plans for Ukraine. The Prime Minister also held a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and secured a call with former US President Donald Trump, demonstrating his active role in international security matters.
The Crucial Week Ahead for Britain
For all the showmanship on the global stage, the ultimate test awaits in Westminster. The Prime Minister privately acknowledged he has a "big week" ahead, with the budget representing a make-or-break moment for his leadership.
Back in Britain, families will be watching closely, judging the government's performance not on diplomatic wins, but on its delivery regarding the NHS, child poverty, and the cost of living. The curtain is about to rise on a budget that will define the government's domestic trajectory.
