23 resultsfor “criticism of Starmer by defence officials”
Starmer has paused free trade talks with Israel and suspended some arms export licences, critics demand a total halt. Despite suspending about 30 out of 350 arms [export licences in late 2024](/news/2025/5/13/campaigners-mount-legal-challenge-on-uk-over-export-of-f-35-parts-to-israel
critical industries directly to British companies, making clear her irritation that ministers have been sending too much government business abroad. In a letter seen by the Guardian, the chancellor tells every cabinet minister in charge
critical few weeks for the prime minister and whether Labour MPs could move to replace him. First, the headlines. ## Five big stories 1. ***US*** | King Charles has extolled the importance of Britain’s “special relationship
officials and Pakistan, which has been acting as mediator. Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the agreement puts an “immediate end” to the war, including the conflict in Lebanon. World leaders, including Keir
officials, he also emphasised the importance of action on the climate crisis. He made reference to “the natural wonders” of the United States, speaking of what Teddy Roosevelt called “the glorious heritage of this land
Starmer**, said the summit of at least 40 countries would seek to “advance work on a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard international shipping when the conflict ends”. Australia’s defence industry minister, **Pat Conroy
officials said. ## In depth: Starmer’s defence-spending ‘rhetoric-to-reality gap’  Prime minister Keir Starmer
criticism from the party’s most successful election winner. Tomlinson was respectful about Blair, and said he agreed with him on some points, but essentially he accused Blair of resurrecting old arguments about Old Labour
officials say they have tried to use broadly the same tactics as they employed last time to keep him in post, with phone calls across the party and defiant messages in public. Some have been
critical of the Iran war, he said: “Probably … Look, why shouldn’t I? Italy has not been of any help to us and Spain has been horrible, absolutely horrible”. Reuters reported on April 10, citing
officials: a war with Russia. It said that Britain is lagging behind other European countries when it comes to the stockpiling of supplies such as critical medicines, and called for fresh thinking. “The conversation
Starmer](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/keir-starmer), had his own Sir Humphrey moment – potentially an existential one. Olly Robbins, [fired by the prime minister](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/apr/16/foreign-offices-top-civil-servant-olly-robbins-leaves-post-in-mandelson-vetting-row) as the Foreign Office’s permanent secretary after not informing
defence relationships, if not the closest, that the world has ever seen, and it continues.” Asked if the UK could defend the Falklands alone, the spokesperson said he could not answer “hypothetical” questions. Though
criticism by Trump of Keir Starmer](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/03/relationship-with-trump-may-be-beyond-repair-keir-starmer-told) over the war in Iran. Officials in Downing Street will be hoping the royal family’s soft power diplomacy can help heal the rift. During
officials, his advisers and Mandelson’s own lack of candour. He is firm in his mind that he would never have made the appointment had he known about the failed vetting. Perhaps that is correct
Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said they would "stand firmly with Ukraine". The five conditions include a stop to the fighting, starting negotiations from the current position in the field
critical waterway once the [Iran](https://www.theguardian.com/world/iran) conflict was over, Turner told an event in Washington.  UK envoy Christian Turner has flagged a ‘wide-ranging’ British contribution
official said Israel and Lebanon will hold talks in Washington next week. The announcement came as Netanyahu ordered his ministers to seek direct talks with Lebanon focused on disarming Iranian-backed [Hezbollah](https://www.theguardian.com/world/hezbollah).
Starmer insists that greater involvement in the war and the current US blockade of Iran's ports are not in the UK's interest. Donald Trump has repeatedly lashed out at him verbally
Starmer has made much of his efforts to reset post-Brexit relations and forge closer economic ties with the EU without committing to rejoin the single market or customs union. The prime minister [is planning