The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 7 September 2025.
I’m appalled by the latest brutal overnight assault on Kyiv and across Ukraine, which killed civilians and hit infrastructure. For the first time, the heart of Ukraine’s civilian government was damaged.
These cowardly strikes show that Putin believes he can act with impunity. He is not serious about peace.
Now, more than ever, we must stand firm in our support for Ukraine and its sovereignty.
The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 5 September 2025.
I wish to send my sincere condolences to His Majesty The King and the Royal Family on the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.
For many years, she was one of our hardest working royals – supporting our late Queen Elizabeth II in her official duties at home and abroad.
She brought compassion, dignity and a human touch to everything she did. Many will remember that moment at the Wimbledon Ladies Final, when she touchingly comforted the runner-up, Jana Novotna.
Later, when it was discovered she had been giving her time and working anonymously as a music teacher at a school in Hull, it seemed typical of her unassuming nature.
In so many ways, the Duchess sought to help. My thoughts are with her husband, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, her family and all those whose lives she touched.
The letter sent by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, to Angela Rayner, on 5 September 2025.
Letter (in .pdf format)
The remarks made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, at 10 Downing Street on 14 August 2025.
I know so many people here in the garden and across the country will have their own memories of family and loved ones.
And it is a real privilege for me to welcome you to Downing Street and into this garden.
This is the centre of government, this is where I work, it’s where I live and it is a privilege to have you here – and right that you are here…
Because this is a government of service, and therefore it is a government at your service.
And so many of you have served and got family members who served so it is really fitting that you’re here and its more than juts a kind invitation for the afternoon.
It’s a reflection I hope of how important it is to us that we’re able to have you here.
So when I say it is a privilege, it really is my privilege to have you here…
And I know that people have come from far and wide to be in the garden this afternoon
To remember 80 years since our victory in the World War II.
And to take the opportunity, and it is the opportunity, to pay our respects to the many who fought…
Who were captured…
And of course who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Far East.
And we do pay our respects here this afternoon as we do so often.
It’s a reminder that in the Cabinet Room just a few yards from us that the new Prime Minister then, as it was, Clement Attlee, just been elected into office at the end of the Second World War received the news of Japan’s surrender.
And it was in there that that news was broken and the nation begun to understand that now it really was the end of World War II.
And as you can imagine people took to the streets, we have spoken to many people who took to the streets on those days and that feeling that they had of freedom and peace at last…
But I think alongside that feeling of joy and victory, relief of peace, was really a shared determination, a shared moment across the nation that victory also had to be a turning point for our country.
Not just for a world that was crying out for peace.
But for a country that owed a huge debt…
to those people that had fought for a better future.
Those who had made huge sacrifices….
So we have the freedoms and the life we enjoy today.
And when we say we pay respects, that’s what we mean by that, because we are exercising those freedoms every day, because of what they did and the sacrifices that they made.
And that in a way is the lesson we carry with us today, it is the lesson that we must hold up every day.
Our duty to honour that sacrifice…
With every new generation.
That’s what it means when we say we will ‘never forget’. Because it doesn’t juts mean we will never forget a particular moment, the end, the final end, of World War II, but we must never forget what that gave us…
What that gave our country, what that gave the world in terms of the freedoms and the values that we fight for.
And of course those values are still contested here.
I sat on this terrace this very morning with President Zelenskyy, who is fighting for the same values as we were fighting for.
And so when we say never forget, we must pass on the stories of those who have gone before us.
Those incredible stories and the stories that many others have shared.
I’ve seen some of the extracts from the letters that were sent, which were extraordinary, exquisite memories and experiences and vignettes into life as it was then.
Stories of camaraderie, of courage, real courage…
From fighting in jungles and blistering heat…
To the immense suffering of prisoners of war on the Burma railway and elsewhere – and it was immense suffering as many of you will know.
But we also remind ourselves of what that was fighting for.
A peace that is precious, that is fragile…
As I say, that we can see on our own continent today.
And the possibility of a better future for the next generation.
That is what the Attlee government took as its mission.
Creating an NHS, building homes fit for heroes, the welfare state. They were all good, important things for a government to do. But they were done with a sense of mission, that we had to repay the debt that we owed to those who had made such a contribution in the Second World War.
By building a new Britain that reflected the dignity of its people.
And that is what my government is determined to do today.
And that’s why I stood outside Downing Street the day after the election last year and said we wild be a government service – that same sense that we are here to serve the country, to create a better country.
A part of that of course is working with our allies to secure peace abroad…
It is a continual project, it’s not a project that ended 80 years ago by any stretch of the imagination.
To rebuild Britain once more so it’s a country we can be proud of. That is capable of playing its full part on the world stage to deescalate tensions and bring about just and lasting peace in areas including in our own continent.
A country worthy of the soldiers that marched under our flag…
And showed the world that Britain is – and will always be…
a beacon of peace…
And hope…
in a dangerous world.
So thank you all – for your service.
Thank you for being here.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and keeping that story alive.
And I really hope you have a wonderful afternoon.
The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 16 August 2025.
President Trump’s efforts have brought us closer than ever before to ending Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. His leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing should be commended.
While progress has been made, the next step must be further talks involving President Zelenskyy. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without him.
This morning, I spoke to President Zelenskyy, President Trump and other European partners, and we all stand ready to support this next phase.
I welcome the openness of the United States, alongside Europe, to provide robust security guarantees to Ukraine as part of any deal. This is important progress and will be crucial in deterring Putin from coming back for more.
In the meantime, until he stops his barbaric assault, we will keep tightening the screws on his war machine with even more sanctions, which have already had a punishing impact on the Russian economy and its people.
Our unwavering support for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes.
The statement made by Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 8 August 2025.
The Israeli Government’s decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza is wrong, and we urge it to reconsider immediately. This action will do nothing to bring an end to this conflict or to help secure the release of the hostages. It will only bring more bloodshed.
Every day the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens and hostages taken by Hamas are being held in appalling and inhuman conditions. What we need is a ceasefire, a surge in humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages by Hamas and a negotiated solution. Hamas can play no part in the future of Gaza and must leave as well as disarm.
Together with our allies, we are working on a long-term plan to secure peace in the region as part of a two-state solution, and ultimately achieve a brighter future for Palestinians and Israelis.
But without both sides engaging in good faith in negotiations, that prospect is vanishing before our eyes. Our message is clear: a diplomatic solution is possible, but both parties must step away from the path of destruction.
The letter sent by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, to Rushanara Ali on 7 August 2025 accepting her resignation.
The Prime Minister
7 August 2025
Dear Rushanara
Thank you for all you have done to deliver this Government’s ambitious agenda.
Your diligent work at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, including your efforts to put in measures to repeal the Vagrancy Act, will have a significant impact.
You have also begun the process of delivering landmark reforms including tackling harassment and intimidation in public life and encouraging more people to engage and participate in our democracy. This will leave a lasting legacy.
I know you will continue to support the Government from the backbenches and represent the best interests of your constituents in Bethnal Green and Stepney.
All best wishes,
Keir Starmer
The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 24 July 2025.
The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza is unspeakable and indefensible. While the situation has been grave for some time, it has reached new depths and continues to worsen. We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe.
I will hold an emergency call with E3 partners tomorrow, where we will discuss what we can do urgently to stop the killing and get people the food they desperately need while pulling together all the steps necessary to build a lasting peace. We all agree on the pressing need for Israel to change course and allow the aid that is desperately needed to enter Gaza without delay.
It is hard to see a hopeful future in such dark times. But I must reiterate my call for all sides to engage in good faith, and at pace, to bring about an immediate ceasefire and for Hamas to unconditionally release all hostages. We strongly support the efforts of the US, Qatar and Egypt to secure this.
We are clear that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people. A ceasefire will put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution which guarantees peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis.
The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 17 July 2025.
Good afternoon.
It’s a real pleasure to welcome Chancellor Merz.
And it’s great to be here at Airbus today. I’m always amazed at this place when I come to visit, it’s not my first visit.
Thank you for showing us the amazing work you do here.
This is one the most cutting-edge facilities in Europe.
Home to the Exo-Mars Rover, designed with German expertise and built right here in Stevenage.
You are driving innovation in defence and space technology, making us all safer – leading us into the future.
And this is at the heart of what brings Friedrich and I together.
We see the scale of the challenges our continent faces today and we intend meet them head on. But we also see the scale of the opportunities. So, we have a shared resolve to shape this new era with new leadership.
The UK and Germany side by side, delivering growth and security and delivering for working people.
And that’s why, earlier today we did something genuinely unprecedented. Building on our new agreement with the EU, together, we signed the Kensington Treaty, the first ever major bilateral treaty between the United Kingdom and Germany.
Two great, modern European nations. It is an expression of our shared aims and values.
But more than that – it is a practical workplan, setting out 17 major projects where we will come together to deliver real results which will improve people’s lives.
So a historic treaty and statement of intent and ambition. And we intend to do, amongst other things, as leading NATO powers in Europe, committing not only to our mutual defence but also to maximise the benefits of our defence spending, in the shape of more jobs, more growth and more security.
Under this treaty we will bring our industries together to boost defence exports by billions of pounds and we’ll speed up our collaboration on high tech weapons and equipment, strengthening NATO – and keeping our people safe.
Our economic links already support half a million British jobs.
So under this treaty we’ll go further, with eGate access for frequent business travellers. I know that’s something very popular here.
A direct rail link, and a new UK-Germany Business Forum to boost investment, starting today with new investments into the UK worth over £200 million.
We’re also deepening collaboration on science and innovation, supporting great jobs, like those here at Airbus.
And we’re delivering new infrastructure projects, including in the North Sea Energy to produce power that is cheaper, greener and more secure.
Crucially – we’re also working together on illegal migration. I want to thank Friedrich for his leadership on this.
Pledging decisive action to strengthen German law this year so that small boats being stored or transported in Germany can be seized, disrupting the route to the UK and it’s a clear sign that we mean business. We are coming after the criminal gangs in every way we can.
We also discussed the appalling situation in Gaza. We are both working to support efforts towards a ceasefire and also to demand the immediate, unconditional release of the remaining hostages and the immediate, unconditional humanitarian access that is so desperately needed to deliver aid at volume and at speed.
Finally, we discussed the situation Ukraine. Just a few days after Friedrich took office in May earlier this year we were both in Kyiv shoulder-to-shoulder with President Zelenskyy during one of the toughest moments in this horrendous war.
Now we’re leading the work to get the best kit to Ukraine as fast as possible. We’ll keep pushing this forward – together with the US and other allies because ultimately our security starts in Ukraine.
So this is a partnership with a purpose. And I think it illustrates what our work on the international stage is all about. It’s about building the foundations of stability across our continent that make us safer, boost our economy and deliver change across for our people. It’s about delivering results and that’s what we’re working towards.
And, in a dangerous world, we do this together.
So thank you Friedrich – for your partnership and your friendship.
Now, over to you.
The speech made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 17 July 2025. (This is the redacted civil service issued text)
It’s fantastic to be with you all. As I look around, I see many friends and colleagues.
Great to be here at the Science Museum, which, I have to say, feels like a fitting place to be because this is the home of innovation – celebrating the progress that has transformed so many people’s lives. And in a way, speaking to us, calling us, and inspiring us to do the same today.
Now, as many of you in this room will remember, around 18 months ago, in opposition, in a church near Waterloo Station, I made a promise to people in this room.
I said [political content redacted] we would work in partnership with you. To deliver on every one of our missions and change the country together. I meant that back then.
And the moment I walked through the front door of Downing Street, our work began. And that door is now wide open to you.
Today’s summit is the first of its kind ever. And that’s really important because this is about delivering on the priorities of working people – but it’s also about something even more fundamental than that.
Because I often say – the changes we are making aren’t just about lines on a graph and statistics. They’re about people – and you will understand that better than anyone else.
Take the Drive Partnership. Now, this is a fantastic initiative led by a coalition of civil society organisations. They’ve worked with the police to tackle the drivers of domestic abuse – a really serious issue, hard to deal with, and it is integral to the work we’re doing in government in our Safer Streets mission.
So today, working together in the spirit of partnership, we’re announcing a £53 million investment to roll out the Drive Project nationally across England and Wales.
Delivering together in partnership, taking forward the initiative that you’ve brought forward to us and recognising your power to reach into places government can’t. We’re combining the ability of the government to deliver nationally.
Now, for me, that’s a blueprint for a brand-new way of working. And today, we take one step further with our Civil Society Covenant.
And I’m really proud we’re launching that today because that’s really the hard yards of the eighteen months since I made the promise, because it recognises the national renewal, which requires everyone to play a vital role.
Not the hierarchical, top-down approach of the state working on its own. Not the transactional approach of the markets left to their own devices. But a way forward in partnership – together – by giving civil society a home at the heart of government.
We’re not going to shut charities out and then expect you to pick up the pieces [political content redacted].
Nor am I interested in slogans that sound good but end up being gimmicks for governments to simply hide behind. I’m interested in solutions.
So, we’re also working with businesses, social enterprises, and private investors.
And with the Chancellor’s announcement just earlier this week – the largest social outcomes fund in the world to give struggling families a better start, backed by £500 million in government funding with plans to match this with up to £500 million more from local governments, social investors, and philanthropists. Transforming hundreds of thousands of lives – together. That is about genuine partnership, putting your fingerprints on everything we do.
Take our 10-Year Plan for the NHS, which we announced earlier this month. It’s a really important initiative. We look back proudly on our NHS – it’s been around for 77 years. But we also need to make sure that in decades to come, our NHS was rebuilt and made fit for the future.
And in that 10-Year Plan, we consulted experts, charities, and the public, so every person, no matter who they are or where they’re from, can get the treatment they deserve.
Look at the incredible work of charities already, day in, day out, on the frontline, delivering real change where it’s needed most.
So, I’m proud to announce an exciting new partnership between government and civil society today: Diagnosis Connect. Now, this will transform the way we work together.
This is a new programme linking newly diagnosed patients directly to expert charities.
Helping them navigate which charities they can get to, which support they want from each of them. Very hard to make that journey at the moment. That’s life-changing for people looking for information and support, often at a really difficult time.
Now, that’s putting your expertise directly in people’s pockets with the NHS App.
So that’s going to go on the NHS App, which is a central part of our plan, so people have it as their map to support from the charities they need when they’ve been diagnosed. What a comfort and security that will be for so many people.
But I believe that good relationships need to be honest relationships.
We won’t blindside you with public attacks like the last government did. We need to be honest about the issues people care about and expect us to tackle. Have the tough conversations on issues like migration, social cohesion, and our security as a country.
These are issues where politicians have often chosen to stoke division instead of bringing people together to fix the problem.
Now, we know the damage that does to our communities, so when it comes to issues like immigration, we are working differently. Strengthening our border security and tackling fraud, working with 72 local organisations as we transition people to a digital immigration status to make sure vulnerable communities aren’t shut out of that transition.
And working with community groups to train young people in the skills we need to reduce our dependence on overseas recruitment. Together, we’ll build stronger communities, a fairer system, a better society for everyone.
Most of all, this is about rebalancing power and responsibility. [political content redacted]. Let me tell you what I think people are tired of. I think they’re tired of establishment figures who don’t listen to them and don’t understand the challenges they face.
Tired of being excluded from decisions about their own lives. Tired of being treated like their experiences don’t matter. They are the people this government is working for.
Something I often talk about is the people I keep in my mind’s eye. Politics is about policies, it is about numbers and statistics, but most importantly, it’s about who you have in your mind’s eye when you make your decisions. It’s the people up and down the country who serve every day, who put in every day, often unseen, but are absolutely irreplaceable.
So, this is an opportunity to say to each and every one of you, and through your organisations, thank you. Thank you for what you put in. To those of you who work tirelessly to make Britain a better place.
And to say that we are keeping our promises. We said we would work differently – and we are. We promised we would listen to you – and we have.
Those initiatives that we are announcing today – they came from you, not us. We put them into something that works in partnership.
We said we would deliver change together – and we will, to build a society of service. Bound together by our common values and finding new pride in our country and our communities.