PROFILE - Keir Starmer: Britain’s new prime minister

By Mehmet Solmaz

LONDON (AA) - Keir Starmer, a 61-year-old London-born centrist politician, has navigated an illustrious path from the courtroom to the corridors of Westminster. Raised in a working-class family, Starmer’s early life was marked by a commitment to education and public service.

He attended the Reigate Grammar School before studying law at the University of Leeds and later at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford. Starmer's legal career began in earnest as a barrister, where he quickly established himself as a formidable figure in the field of human rights law.

His legal acumen and dedication earned him the role of director of public prosecutions (DPP) in 2008, a position he held until 2013. During his tenure as the DPP, Starmer was known for his work on complex and high-profile cases, as well as for implementing significant reforms within the Crown Prosecution Service.

- Transition to politics and leadership

Starmer’s transition to active politics came in 2015 when he was elected as the member of parliament for Holborn and St Pancras. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Labour Party, serving in key shadow Cabinet positions, including shadow Brexit secretary.

Starmer’s meticulous approach and legal background made him a prominent voice in the debates over the UK’s departure from the European Union. In April 2020, he was elected as the leader of the Labour Party, succeeding Jeremy Corbyn.

Starmer’s leadership has been characterized by a focus on unity and pragmatism. He has sought to distance the party from the controversies of the Corbyn era while emphasizing the importance of social justice, economic competence, and rebuilding the bonds with dissident Labour voters.

- Challenges and future prospects

Since becoming the Labour leader, Starmer has faced significant challenges, including internal party divisions and the broader political landscape shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure has seen mixed electoral results, with notable successes and setbacks.

Despite these challenges, Starmer said he remains committed to his vision for a fairer and more equitable Britain.

“It is the honour and privilege of my life. I will do my utmost to guide us through these difficult times, to serve all our communities, and to strive for the good of our country,” he said.

- Foreign policy and criticism on Gaza war stance

As the Labour leader, Starmer said he has been seeking to reposition the party on the global stage, emphasizing strong alliances with traditional partners like the US and the EU, while also advocating for a robust response to global challenges such as climate change and international security.

However, Starmer’s handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict has drawn significant criticism from within his party and from external observers. Starmer has faced backlash over his perceived lack of support for Palestinian rights and his reluctance to take a firm stance against the Israeli government's policies.

Critics argue that his approach has alienated many within the Labour Party who denounce Israel’s occupation and war on Palestine. This controversy was highlighted by the resignation of key Labour figures and backlash from the party’s grassroots members, who felt that Starmer’s position deviated from the Labour’s historical support for Palestinian self-determination.

After decades of strong support, the Labour Party has seen a sharp decrease in support from Muslims, primarily because of party leader Keir Starmer’s pro-Israel stance.

During last month’s local elections, in 58 local council wards analyzed by the BBC, where more than one-fifth of the residents are Muslims, Labour’s vote share was down 21% compared to the 2021 elections.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also stood as an independent during Thursday’s general election after representing the London constituency of Islington North for more than 40 years, saying he wants to be “an independent voice for equality, democracy, and peace.”

Since Israel launched its war on Gaza last October, nearly 70 Labour parliamentarians have defied the party policy and called for a cease-fire, while around 100 councilors quit the party.