Keir Starmer MP: speeches

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Speeches

2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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The Conservatives crashed the economy, so lectures from them on the economy are not welcome. As I said in my statement, national security is at the heart of our approach to China, as it is to every issue that we take up. It is quite possible to have a discussion about the opportunities available to our country while also safeguarding our national security. That is what we are doing in a grown-up, mature way.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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We had very productive meetings in Japan. Among the discussions was how we open up to more trade between our two economies.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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I raised a wide range of issues of concern to this House with President Xi, as the hon. Member would expect.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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That is my understanding in relation to all parliamentarians. I accept that in relation to others, we need to see how much further we can go.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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May I give this assurance to the hon. Member’s constituents? We absolutely believe in the importance of steel being made in this country, and that is why we took the necessary measures, on a Saturday, as he knows, in relation to steel production in his constituency.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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It will make a huge difference, which is why I discussed it with Volodymyr Zelensky before I went, in terms, and why I will discuss it with him again in the coming days, in terms.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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I thank the right hon. Member for raising this point—I know how much it matters personally to him and to the others that he referenced. I raised this point directly, and the response was that restrictions do not apply to parliamentarians. I accept the challenge and the point that we need to go further, but that does not mean that what we have achieved should be put to one side. I accept that we must go further, and I will work with colleagues across the House to do so. In order to go further, we have to engage, and we have to engage at the leader level.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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Only the SNP could go about this in this way—instead of welcoming the halving of tariffs on Scottish whisky, the right hon. Gentleman raises things that have absolutely nothing to do with China or Japan. Only the SNP has no interest at all in delivering for Scotland.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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The Conservatives’ position seems to be that if one has concerns in relation to China, the pragmatic thing to do is to buy a bag of sand and put your head in it. I do not think that is going to influence anything—nothing said here has any influence if you do not have a meeting.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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Let me give my hon. Friend that reassurance for those from Hong Kong, in his constituency and throughout the country, on the support that we will put in for them.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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I thank my hon. Friend for that question, because Japan is a key colleague and partner when it comes to defence and security, which is why, across a range of issues, we discussed what more we can do, including on GCAP.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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We have taken a number of measures, including the further powers and tools we have given to our security and intelligence services.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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I pay tribute to the contribution that Lord Browne has made. I assure my hon. Friend that our discussions with China did include how we derisk the risk in relation to nuclear weapons.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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I have known Helena for many years. We shared a room when we worked together in chambers. We agree on many things, but not everything.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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We have had a Chinese embassy in this country since 1877. It is currently over seven sites; it is now going to be on one. The security and intelligence services published a letter the day after the decision was made to say that it was better for security in this country, and I think that is the right approach.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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The reason I spoke to Volodymyr Zelensky was to have a discussion in advance on the precise terms in which we would approach this issue. I then followed through on that, and I will talk to President Zelensky about this again in the coming days. We are working hand in glove with the Ukrainians for the outcome that we all want: a just and lasting peace.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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I agree with my hon. Friend; we are the best in the world. The people from the creative sector and the cultural institutions were with us on the visit because they could see the great advantage in better relations and better engagement, and not only in relation to the cultural aspects but because, of course, they are themselves really important businesses.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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Yes, we raised the issues of Hongkongers. [Interruption.] We raised the issues. I find the Conservatives’ position astonishing. They say that they take these issues seriously. They say that these issues are “of great concern”. They stay here and raise these issues, notwithstanding the fact that no one else is listening, and then they say, “This is so important to me, but the one thing I do not want you to do is go to China and have a discussion about it at the highest level.” It is a pathetic, unserious approach to foreign policy.
2 Feb 2026 · China and Japan · Hansard source
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My hon. Friend will be pleased to know that JLR was there with us on the delegation in China, and it is acutely aware of the difference that better trade and economic measures with China will make to its business, and to jobs in his constituency.
21 Jan 2026 · Engagements · Hansard source
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They shout on a Wednesday and they defect on a Thursday. The loudest shouter used to be the former shadow Justice Secretary. We should take a note of who is shouting most loudly this week.
21 Jan 2026 · Engagements · Hansard source
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In recent days, I have spoken extensively to our international allies, including European leaders and others, the US and NATO. We will continue to engage constructively to resolve issues, particularly those relating to international security, applying the principles and values that I set out on Monday. In addition, this week, the Government have announced a landmark investment to support children with special educational needs, overhauled our water system, and today launched a £15 billion plan to create warm homes. At home and abroad, this Labour Government are delivering for the British people. This morning, I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall have further such meetings later today.
21 Jan 2026 · Engagements · Hansard source
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I am proud that we are spending more on defence than at any time since the last Labour Government. [Interruption.] The strategic defence review has backed the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the cold war. That is £270 billion this Parliament, making defence an engine of growth. That is a stark contrast. Ben Wallace, the longest-serving Conservative Defence Secretary, openly admitted that under the Conservatives’ watch our armed forces were “hollowed out”. [Interruption.]
21 Jan 2026 · Engagements · Hansard source
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The situation is completely unacceptable. We welcome Ofwat’s investigation into the company—that is the right thing to do. The Environment Secretary met company bosses last week to stress the need for accountability, and Ministers are continuing to chair daily meetings, but the situation is totally unacceptable and needs to be fixed.
21 Jan 2026 · Engagements · Hansard source
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That’s about the same cheer we hear across the whole country. We are increasing defence spend to the biggest spend since the last Labour Government. We are doing that because of the decisions we took at the Budget in relation to the money that is available. The right hon. Member wants more money for defence spending, and he wants it faster, but what did he do at the Budget? Did he stand up and say, “I support this”? No, he voted against it, against the measures necessary to carry out the upgrade.
21 Jan 2026 · Engagements · Hansard source
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The right hon. Gentleman may be making himself the next candidate for the Thursday defections— [ Interruption. ] Oh, maybe it is someone else. Those that shout loudest end up on the Reform UK Bench— [ Interruption. ] Reform is supporting our recycling moves, because soon it will be a party entirely made up of—

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