King Charles' Speech does not change the situation: Starmer hangs by a thread
The King's speech could not change the underlying situation: a deep dissatisfaction with the premier
by Nicol Degli Innocenti
LONDON - A short-lived truce in honour of King Charles III, but behind the scenes the political struggle continued. Parliament met today for the traditional 'King's Speech' to present the government's legislative programme, with a clear contrast between the ceremonial continuity and the internal feuds within the Labour Party. The Prime Minister, ministers, MPs and notables of the Kingdom who listened in respectful silence to the King's words were well aware that if there is a change of leader and government perhaps none of the proposed ideas will become reality.
Keir Starmer remains in the saddle for the time being, but with authority and authority severely undermined by the election defeat and the defection of several undersecretaries and MPs. This morning the prime minister met Wes, Health Minister, in Downing Street for a meeting that lasted only a few minutes and was supposedly not too warm. Sources close to Streeting said that the minister "did not want to distract attention from the King's speech", but that the member of the party's moderate wing may resign tomorrow in order to officially challenge Starmer for the succession.
To enter the race, he needs the support of at least 81 MPs, which Streeting seems to have secured, on the strength of his successes in improving the national health service by reducing long waiting lists. The health minister's move is aimed at speeding up the process and neutralising his most formidable competitor, Andy Burnham, the hugely popular mayor of Manchester, who cannot run until he is (again) elected as an MP in Westminster.
Everything still to be decided
If Streeting challenges Starmer as expected, it is certain that the PM will not back down and let MPs decide. Over 100 have said they support Starmer, over 90 have called for his resignation, but most of the 403 Labour MPs in Westminster have not spoken out. The fight therefore remains open, and the party remains divided.
Against this backdrop of uncertainty King Charles with ermine and crown presented the Government's programme, words written from Downing Street that the King merely read. The opening sentences described a world that 'is more dangerous and unstable today than at any other time in our lives'. The premise of the speech was that in this context 'we cannot continue with the status quo' but must accelerate with change to make Britain 'stronger and fairer'.
