European Leaders Praise Starmer’s Legacy Following Resignation as UK Prime Minister

BERLIN: European leaders have paid warm tributes to outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer following his announcement that he will step down, praising his efforts to rebuild relations with Europe and strengthen support for Ukraine despite facing mounting political challenges at home.

Starmer, who became Britain’s first non-Conservative prime minister after Brexit, sought to improve ties between the United Kingdom and the European Union while maintaining that Britain would not rejoin the bloc. His government also played a leading role in coordinating European support for Ukraine alongside France and Germany.

Among those offering tributes was Ursula von der Leyen, who praised Starmer’s leadership and contribution to European security. She said his efforts had strengthened both European and Ukrainian security and described him as a statesman who earned international respect during his two years in office.

Other European leaders also acknowledged Starmer’s role in easing post-Brexit tensions and fostering closer cooperation between Britain and its European partners. His diplomatic engagement was widely viewed as helping restore trust after years of strained relations following the UK’s departure from the European Union.

Despite receiving praise abroad, Starmer’s government struggled with declining popularity at home, amid concerns over economic performance, immigration, and public services. Growing dissatisfaction within the governing Labour Party ultimately led to his decision to resign and pave the way for a leadership transition.

Starmer said he would oversee an orderly transfer of power while the Labour Party selects a new leader. Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is widely regarded as the frontrunner to succeed him and could assume office as early as next month.

The departure of Starmer marks another significant chapter in Britain’s turbulent political landscape, with the country set to welcome its seventh prime minister in a decade. Nevertheless, European allies have expressed hope that his successor will continue efforts to strengthen cooperation on security, trade, and regional stability.