UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is battling to maintain his political career after dozens of Labour MPs called for his resignation, has pledged to continue pushing forward with his plans to reform the country. He is expected to meet Health Secretary Wes Streeting — viewed as a potential rival in the party leadership race.
Starmer has so far ignored calls to resign from Labour MPs. They criticize him for the party's heavy defeat in local elections last week and argue he has failed to deliver reforms since his landslide general election victory in 2024.
The meeting at Downing Street will take place before King Charles delivers the State Opening of Parliament — a ceremonial occasion presided over by the monarch and used by the government to outline its political priorities and legislative program for the coming year.
According to British media, no official statement was issued after the Streeting–Starmer meeting in order to keep attention focused on the King's Speech.
Resignation wave
More than 80 MPs — nearly a quarter of Labour's elected lawmakers — have called for Starmer to step down. Four junior ministers have resigned in protest, including prominent MP Jess Phillips, who expressed frustration at seeing "progressive opportunities stalled and delayed"; Alex Davies-Jones, who called last week's election result "catastrophic"; and Zubir Ahmed, an ally of Streeting.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, the first of the four ministers to resign on Tuesday, wrote in her letter to the Prime Minister: "The public does not believe you can lead this change — and neither do I."
Meanwhile, Starmer declared on Tuesday: "Britain is at a pivotal moment: either move forward with a plan to build a stronger, fairer country, or return to the chaos and instability of the past."
Despite the turmoil, Starmer will attend the State Opening of Parliament presided over by the King on Wednesday. He said: "The British people expect the government to focus on the work of making the country better, cutting the cost of living, reducing hospital waiting lists, and keeping the country safe in an increasingly dangerous world."
A package of more than 35 bills and draft laws will focus on measures to improve the economy, strengthen national security, and "reform the state to support a more dynamic government that stands with the British people." After arriving at Parliament and donning the State Robe, King Charles will read the speech drafted by Starmer's government, outlining planned new laws.
However, the execution of that speech remains uncertain, as does Starmer's political future. If he is ousted, his successor would not be obliged to adhere to the same plan. After spending much of Tuesday in his Downing Street office seeking support, Wednesday's ceremony will thrust Starmer's power struggle back into the public eye.
