What will Starmer do now?

In a conversation with Global Compass and StratNewsGlobal, Rahul Roy-Chaudhury of the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent UK election and the challenges facing newly elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Following Labour’s landslide victory of 412 seats, Roy-Chaudhury highlights the difficult task ahead of Starmer, noting that there is no honeymoon period. Instead, immediate action is needed to address pressing domestic issues such as the cost of living crisis, economic growth, trade relations, the NHS and education.

Roy-Chaudhury discusses the internal change in the Labour Party under Starmer, away from the left-wing policies of Jeremy Corbyn towards a more centrist stance. This includes a crackdown on illegal immigration, a sensitive issue on which the Labour government is expected to maintain a hardline approach similar to the policies of the previous Conservative government. She also highlights Labour’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and the need for clarity on the party’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On the international stage, Roy-Chaudhury delves into the complexities of the UK’s relationship with India under the new Labour government. He highlights India’s importance in terms of economic growth, foreign policy influence, military potential in the Indo-Pacific and the UK’s sizeable Indian diaspora. But he questions the extent of this importance, pointing to uncertainty in the Labour government’s foreign policy orientation. Will the emphasis be on Euro-Atlantic relations or will the Indo-Pacific region, including India, take precedence? The UK-India Strategic Partnership and Free Trade Agreement also remain in a state of uncertainty, with potential obstacles from Labour grassroots activists.

Roy-Chaudhury is cautiously optimistic about progress in Britain’s relationship with India, noting that significant changes may not occur until after the Labour Party conference in October.

The interview provides a realistic perspective on the current challenges facing the Starmer government and the complex dynamics of the future UK-India relationship.