UK PM Keir Starmer Vows 'Responsible Global Leadership' at UN Debut

New British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made his first appearance at the UN General Assembly, affirming the UK's commitment to responsible global leadership. He emphasized tackling climate change, international development, and global conflicts, while advocating for partnership and equal respect in foreign relations.

New British Prime Minister Keir Starmer took the international stage at the UN General Assembly on Thursday for the first time, delivering a strong message that his nation is returning to "responsible global leadership."

The Labour Party leader, who secured a landslide election victory in July, addressed the annual gathering of world leaders, emphasizing that under his leadership, "the UK will lead again tackling climate change at home and internationally, and restoring our commitment to international development."

Starmer highlighted that the UK will work with other nations to address global conflicts, such as those in Gaza, the West Bank, Ukraine, and Sudan, stressing the urgent need for cease-fires and collaborative efforts "to make the world less dangerous".

"We have to face some hard truths," the prime minister remarked, pointing out that institutions of peace are "struggling, underfunded, under pressure and outpoliticised." He warned that the global arms control system, established over decades, is deteriorating and requires urgent global action.

Starmer pledged to transform how the UK engages internationally, shifting from "paternalism of the past towards partnership for the future" by listening more and speaking less. He committed to offering "game-changing British expertise" and working in "a spirit of equal respect."

Addressing the ministers and diplomats present, Starmer acknowledged a pervasive sense of fatalism over global conflicts and instability but firmly stated, "Our task is to say: No. We won't accept this slide into greater conflict, instability, and injustice. Instead, we will do all we can to change it."

(With inputs from agencies.)