The Huffington Post
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 9: Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks to media as he reacts to the local Council Election results at AFC Wimbledon on May 9, 2026 in London, England. In response to what is being seen as a disastrous set of results for Labour in the 2026 Local Elections Starmer says "the local election results do not mean tacking left or right; but mean we must bring together a broad political movement, one that is assertive in its values and bold in its vision. (Photo by Alishia Abodunde/Getty Images) Keir Starmer’s attempt to save his premiership with a make-or-break speech went down like a lead balloon on Monday. The prime minister insisted he would prove his doubters wrong as he tries to turn around Labour’s fortunes after last week’s election drubbing. He pledged to rebuild the UK’s ties with the EU after Brexit and insisted he would put the country “at the heart of Europe”. Amid mounting speculation that he will face an imminent leadership challenge, Starmer said: “I know people are frustrated by the state of Britain, frustrated by politics, and some people, frustrated by me. “I know I have my doubters and I know I need to prove them wrong, and I will.” However, the initial reaction to the speech was overwhelmingly negative, with one former minister telling HuffPost UK it was “utterly inadequate”. The response on social media was similarly unforgiving. IS THAT IT?!!!!!! No details? 'This Labour government will be defined by rebuilding our relationship with Europe, by putting Britain at the heart of Europe'. — Anand Menon (@anandmenon.bsky.social) 2026-05-11T09:25:56.304Z Starmer is wielding the "I realise people are frustrated with me" line as if it were a secret, clever weapon. But the thing with owning up to weakness or mistakes is that, if this is followed by the same things a person has been saying already, the mea culpa isn't that convincing — Alona Ferber (@aloner.bsky.social) 2026-05-11T09:50:44.117Z A desperate speech full of meaningless buzzwords delivered by a tired, middle-aged man who looks like he lost his jacket and tie on the way to the drab windowless little room from which it is being broadcast is just so Yookay 2026. — Stefan Roberts (@stefanroberts) May 11, 2026 It is remarkable how little content there is in this speech. Just meaningless slogans. "Stories over spreadsheets" "Strength through fairness" — Sam Dumitriu (@Sam_Dumitriu) May 11, 2026 Woeful. Meaningless waffle. Claps from a few staffers - but have heard that those who were allocated a bunch of tickets couldn't even give them away. MPs at best bored, non-plussed, most still angry he's so totally tone deaf. Nobody I know has been won over by this. — Rosie Duffield MP (@RosieDuffield1) May 11, 2026 Staggering that in his big speech, it's just vibes rather than policy — (@kam1nsk1.bsky.social) 2026-05-11T09:27:48.577Z Starmer speech: Brexit has made the country poorer and weaker... but I’m sticking to my red lines and won’t lead the UK back into the single market or customs union i.e. no growth. Voters who just told him to go are going to get a lot more of the same with a lot more energy. A recipe for disaster — Grahame Lucas (@grahamelucas.bsky.social) 2026-05-11T10:02:27.917Z It's just a bit embarrassing really. The big much-hyped Europe policy is: we'll be better mates in a way I cannot describe or define. — Ian Dunt (@iandunt.bsky.social) 2026-05-11T09:45:25.886Z Subscribe to Commons People , the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster. Related... Starmer Vows To Prove Doubters 'Wrong' As He Fights To Save His Premiership Keir Starmer Ally Tells Andy Burnham To Forget Trying To Become Labour MP Before General Election Starmer Vows To Put UK 'At Heart Of Europe' In Last-Ditch Bid To Save His Job
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