US President Donald Trump has stated that the decision to resign rests solely with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, while simultaneously cautioning that the Labour leader is 'windmilling the country to death'. The American president further argued that the United Kingdom must adopt a stringent approach to immigration and resume oil extraction in the North Sea, listing these as key failures under Starmer's leadership.
Starmer Faces Mounting Pressure
Sir Keir is currently battling to preserve his political career amid a significant Labour rebellion following last week's disastrous local election results. On Wednesday, he is scheduled for critical talks with Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who has openly signalled his preparation for a leadership contest. To date, four ministers have resigned, and over 80 MPs have publicly demanded that Starmer either step down or outline a departure plan.
Trump's Stance on Energy and Immigration
Speaking at the White House before departing for a state visit to China, Trump reiterated his criticism of the UK's energy policy. 'I told him from day one, you're getting killed on energy. You're windmilling your country to death. Open up the North Sea. You have one of the greatest sources of energy in the world,' Trump said. He also emphasised the need for stricter immigration controls, asserting that 'Europe is being very, very hurt by immigration all over Europe.'
Trump has previously described the focus on renewable energy over North Sea oil and gas as 'absolutely crazy' and argued that wind turbines 'put you out of business.'
Labour's Internal Turmoil
Despite the mounting calls for his resignation, Starmer vowed to continue fighting during Tuesday's Cabinet meeting. He received public backing from several senior ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who urged colleagues to 'step back and take a breath.' Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, despite reports of privately advising Starmer to consider his position, has stated she is 'cracking on with the job' and will not resign.
A statement signed by over 100 Labour MPs, not organised by Downing Street, called for unity behind the Prime Minister. It acknowledged the 'devastatingly tough set of election results' and emphasised the need to 'win back trust from the electorate.' The statement concluded, 'This is no time for a leadership contest.'
Resignations and Criticism
At least 86 of Labour's 403 MPs have demanded Starmer's departure, surpassing the threshold to trigger a leadership contest, though no single challenger has emerged. Among the most prominent resignations is that of Minister Phillips, who criticised the Prime Minister's lack of boldness. Dr Ahmed followed suit, citing a 'lack of values-driven leadership' and stating that the public has 'irretrievably lost confidence in you as Prime Minister.' Alex Davies-Jones, reportedly a supporter of Wes Streeting, also quit the Home Office, decrying the absence of 'bold, radical action.'
Resigning housing minister Miatta Fahnbulleh, an ally of Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, attributed the public's loss of trust to issues such as the scrapping of the winter fuel payment.
Starmer's Defiance and Government Focus
Starmer defied calls to vacate Number 10, telling his Cabinet that the country 'expects us to get on with governing' and 'that is what I am doing.' He avoided direct challenges during the meeting and declined to discuss his leadership or meet critics individually afterwards, according to sources. Downing Street's readout indicated that ministers agreed the 'number one priority remains getting the Strait of Hormuz open again' amid discussions on the Iran war.
The Prime Minister chaired a Middle East Response Committee at lunchtime and later met construction apprentices in London, though no reporters were invited. A scheduled meeting with union leaders affiliated to Labour was cancelled.
Lammy's Warning Against 'Navel-Gazing'
Speaking outside Number 10, Deputy PM David Lammy warned that internal Labour disputes would only benefit Nigel Farage's Reform UK, which made significant gains in the recent elections. 'The Prime Minister was elected just under two years ago with a mandate from the British people for five years. He has my full support,' Lammy said. He added, 'No one seems to have the names to stand up against Keir Starmer, and for those who are suggesting that he should stand down, they should say which candidate would be better. I urge colleagues to step back and not benefit Nigel Farage and Reform.'
