Sir Keir Starmer is a British politician and the current leader of the Labor Party as of April 2020. He has also been the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) since 2024. Born in 1962 in Southwark, London, he was actually named after Keir Hardie, the founder of the Labor Party. Before becoming involved in politics, Starmer had a successful legal career and was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 2002, then held the position of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) between 2008 and 2013. This legal career earned him a reputation as an honest, hardworking, and deeply committed advocate of justice.
Starmer was elected Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras in 2015. As an MP, he rapidly climbed the Labor Party hierarchy and became Shadow Brexit Secretary to Jeremy Corbyn.
He was a stellar critic of the Conservative government's Brexit plans, campaigning for a second referendum, and made attempts to secure close relationships with the European Union. Following Labor's 2019 pervasive election loss, Starmer was elected as the party leader on a unifying, competent, and electable basis. He has since concentrated on transforming the party, moving it away from premature scandals and rebranding Labor as centrist politically. He has prioritized themes of efficient recovery, public services, security, and trust in politics.
Starmer's leadership approach is generally characterized as measured and conservative, seeking to make Labor an effective government-in-waiting. With his leadership, the party has gained popularity in vital regions, and he is widely considered a top candidate to be the next Prime Minister in the next general election.
On this edition of India Today Global, Geeta Mohan examines the shifting global alliances as US President Donald Trump’s 'confrontational trade and foreign policies' push traditional allies toward China. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Beijing for a three-day visit to revive economic engagement, marking the first such trip by a UK leader since 2018. The programme also highlights India’s growing diplomatic footprint as New Delhi prepares to host over 10 Arab foreign ministers for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting on January 30-31. Discussions are expected to cover regional stability, the Palestinian issue, and the launch of the India and Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the report covers the strengthening of India-Canada energy ties during India Energy Week in Goa and the escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney over tariff threats and economic sovereignty following the US capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
On this edition of India Today Global, Geeta Mohan examines the shifting global alliances as US President Donald Trump’s 'confrontational trade and foreign policies' push traditional allies toward China. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Beijing for a three-day visit to revive economic engagement, marking the first such trip by a UK leader since 2018. The programme also highlights India’s growing diplomatic footprint as New Delhi prepares to host over 10 Arab foreign ministers for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting on January 30-31. Discussions are expected to cover regional stability, the Palestinian issue, and the launch of the India and Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the report covers the strengthening of India-Canada energy ties during India Energy Week in Goa and the escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney over tariff threats and economic sovereignty following the US capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP and senior party leader Arvind Sawant paid an emotional tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a tragic plane crash on Wednesday, describing him as a “trustworthy man” and a “man of his words.”
On this India Today special report, the focus is on the escalating diplomatic row between the United Kingdom and the United States. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly criticised US President Donald Trump following comments suggesting NATO allies were not on the front lines during conflicts. Starmer stated, 'I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling,' while paying tribute to the 457 British service members who lost their lives in Afghanistan. The Prime Minister emphasised that the UK fought alongside American forces for shared values and urged the US President to apologise for the hurt caused to the families of the fallen. The discussion further explores the historical context of NATO's Article 5, which was invoked following the 9/11 attacks, and Trump's recurring rhetoric regarding the alliance's contributions. The programme examines how these statements impact the special relationship between London and Washington amidst ongoing security and intelligence cooperation.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating tensions between the United States and European powers. US President Donald Trump has sparked significant outrage by threatening to take over Greenland, a move that coincides with his pledge for a sweeping tariff fight with Europe. During a recent interaction, Trump remarked on his relationship with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, stating, 'They get a little bit rough when I'm not around.' He criticized the internal state of both nations, specifically citing immigration and energy as primary failures. Trump urged the United Kingdom to abandon wind energy and instead utilize the North Sea, which he described as an 'unbelievable asset.' Furthermore, he confirmed he would not be attending the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) Nations meeting in Paris. The programme examines the geopolitical implications of these statements and the growing friction within the Western alliance.
In a bid to push for the acquisition of Greenland, the United States is preparing to deploy aircraft to a key military base in Greenland.
On this Special Report, anchor Geeta Mohan examines US President Donald Trump's escalating campaign to acquire Greenland. The President has threatened sweeping tariffs of up to 25% on several European nations, including Denmark and France, unless a deal is reached. Mohan highlights a significant quote from Trump: 'We need Greenland for national security.' The report also covers Trump's controversial AI-generated map showing Greenland and Canada as US territories, sparking intense pushback from EU leaders. Beyond the Arctic, the programme discusses the 'mother of all deals'—a potential EU-India Free Trade Agreement—and the strategic security concerns regarding India's Siliguri Corridor, or 'chicken's neck,' amid growing Chinese and Pakistani influence in Bangladesh. The broadcast concludes with reports on record-breaking snowfall in Russia's Kamchatka peninsula and the diplomatic row over the Chagos archipelago.
In a dramatic start to 2026, a US strike on Venezuela has toppled a 'strongman', triggering global reactions. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarified Britain's stance, stating, 'I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved in that,' while emphasizing the need to 'uphold international law.' The operation, described as a 'Trump attack', also drew a sharp response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who suggested Washington now 'knows what to do next' regarding dictators. The report details the geopolitical shockwaves as Latin American nations warn of escalation.
This Special Report details the global fallout following the United States' dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The operation has triggered a wave of international reactions, with Russia condemning the move and demanding an urgent UNSC meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked that Washington now ‘knows what to do next’ regarding dictators, a comment seen as a veiled reference to Vladimir Putin. Former US Vice President Kamala Harris criticised President Donald Trump, stating the action does not make America safer. In a direct address, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarified the UK's position, stating, ‘I want to establish the facts first, I want to speak to President Trump... I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved in that.’ The report also highlights concerns from Brazil, Colombia, and China regarding international law and sovereignty.
This edition of India Today Global covers several major international developments. The bulletin focuses on Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman's visit to the White House for talks with President Donald Trump on security and economic deals. It also reports on the death sentence handed to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in absentia by the country's International Crimes Tribunal, a verdict her party calls a political vendetta. Other key stories include the United Kingdom's tough new asylum policy overhaul and high-level meetings between Indian and Russian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, ahead of the upcoming annual summit. Jaishankar stated, 'India-Russia ties have long been a factor of stability in international relations'.
A Special Report on the horrific mass stabbing on a London-bound train in the United Kingdom, with India Today's Pranay Upadhyay providing details on the incident. According to the British Transport Police, 'Ten people have been taken to hospital with nine believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries'. Armed police intercepted the LNER train at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire and arrested two men in connection with the attack. The British Transport Police has declared it a 'major incident' and confirmed that Counter Terrorism Policing is supporting the investigation to establish the circumstances and motive. The attack has caused major disruption to rail services, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described the event as an 'appalling incident'.
This special report from India Today details a so-called peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, featuring US President Donald Trump, Pakistan's PM Shahbaz Sharif, and other global leaders. The report captures several awkward moments, including Trump's comment about the Italian Prime Minister: 'She's a beautiful young woman... if you use the word "beautiful" in the United States about a woman, that's the end of your political career, but I'll take my chances.' . The programme documents a series of bizarre interactions, such as a prolonged handshake between Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif publicly nominating Trump for a Nobel Prize. Amidst the spectacle, the report highlights that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to skip the event, sending Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh instead, a decision portrayed as a wise diplomatic move to maintain distance from the drama.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed support for India’s bid for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. Singaporean diplomat Kishore Mahbubani previously criticized the UK
This special report focuses on the extradition of fugitives Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi from the United Kingdom, a key issue during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to India for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The UK's legal system, while not intentionally protecting fugitives, prioritises human rights and due process, which allows extradition to be contested at multiple levels. In a case highlighting these delays, the report notes, 'a UK court had approved extradition [for Vijay Mallya] way back in 2019...and yet his extradition has been mysteriously stuck due to what's referred to as "confidential legal matters".' The analysis explores how both Mallya and Modi have used the UK's Extradition Act of 2003, citing concerns over prison conditions and mental health, to prolong their legal battles, despite India's persistent efforts and the existence of a 1992 extradition treaty.
This special report focuses on the escalating governance crisis within Tata Trusts, with Chairman Noel Tata's camp reportedly at odds with other trustees led by Mehli Mistry, prompting government intervention. We also cover UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit, where the extradition of fugitives like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya was a key diplomatic focus. The show further examines a US-led Gaza peace proposal, with former President Donald Trump stating, 'We ended the war in Gaza and really, on a much bigger basis, created peace'. Finally, we explore the cultural roots of the Bhuta Kola tradition, brought to national attention by the film 'Kantara', delving into the significance of deities like Panjurli and Guliga in the Tulu Nadu region.
After two years of conflict, Israel and Hamas have reportedly agreed to the first phase of a peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
This edition of Super 6 examines evolving political scenarios in Tamil Nadu, where speculation has intensified over new alliances ahead of the assembly elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Kirsten Stammer held talks, concluding a long-awaited free trade agreement. PM Modi stated the visit reflects “new energy in the India-UK relations and shared goals for growth and stability.” A significant outcome is the announcement that nine UK universities will open campuses in India. The leaders also discussed key regional and global issues including the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, with India reiterating its call for peace and humanitarian relief through dialogue. The talks covered developments in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia, underscoring a growing strategic alignment. The visit by the British premier, accompanied by the largest ever UK trade mission to India, aims to bolster economic, strategic, defence, and cultural ties, with further details expected in a joint communiqué.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held wide-ranging discussions with his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, with a focus on strengthening India-UK cooperation in trade, defence, security, and critical technologies. He praised India's growth story, calling it "remarkable." Starmer, accompanied by a 125-member delegation of the UK’s leading business leaders, entrepreneurs, and educationists, arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday morning for a two-day visit.
The big taking point of this edition of India First is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's blistering attack on the Congress party over its handling of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
