Cost of living: Starmer links foreign trips to improvement

Published: 13 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Labour leader Keir Starmer has argued that his foreign trips are essential for addressing the cost of living. He told MPs that engaging directly in international negotiations would improve trade and security, which in turn would benefit the domestic economy. Starmer emphasized that global engagement, rather than isolation, was crucial for Britain’s economic stability. While many MPs prefer he focus more on UK issues, the prime minister believes international diplomacy will ultimately relieve financial pressures for ordinary households across the country.

During a parliamentary Labour party meeting on Monday, Starmer outlined his strategy for 2026, describing it as a “year of proof” for Labour. He adopted a more positive tone than in previous sessions, highlighting the potential for tangible change and renewal under his leadership. Starmer insisted that progress on the cost of living could not be separated from wider global stability, stressing that the UK must remain active in international trade and defence discussions.

Starmer has undertaken more than 40 international trips since becoming prime minister in July 2024, facing criticism from some Labour MPs who prefer domestic engagement. Despite this, he maintains that his presence in global forums directly impacts the economic environment at home. He explained that securing favourable trade terms for British companies, such as Jaguar Land Rover, depends on active participation abroad. According to Starmer, foreign diplomacy and national economic health are tightly intertwined, and isolating the UK could worsen the cost-of-living pressures faced by families.

In addressing Labour MPs, Starmer said, “One thing that is crystal clear is that we are moving into a world that is very different to the one most of us grew up in. And in a world this volatile – you have to be on the pitch. You have to be in the room to tackle the issues working people care about. The cost-of-living crisis will not be solved by isolationism.” His remarks underline the party’s approach of linking international strategy to domestic welfare, portraying global engagement as a practical tool for improving British households’ financial situations.

The prime minister’s optimism was reflected in his discussion of changes already underway in the NHS, wages, crime reduction, and infrastructure. Starmer suggested that visible improvements for ordinary citizens would restore opportunity, pride, and hope. He added, “With each change we make for the better, we show working people something even more important. That decline can be reversed. Opportunity and pride can be restored. The future can be better for them and their families. And politics can be a force for good.”

Despite Starmer’s efforts, public perception remains challenging. Polls indicate widespread dissatisfaction with Labour’s handling of the cost-of-living crisis. A recent YouGov survey placed the Conservatives ahead of Labour, both trailing Reform UK, with Labour polling at only 17%. Starmer is aware of this political pressure, yet he believes that demonstrating leadership in global forums will ultimately secure domestic gains, potentially reshaping voter sentiment in time for future elections.

Starmer has also taken steps to strengthen relations with his MPs, inviting them to Downing Street and Chequers and engaging more frequently in parliamentary discussions. The prime minister seeks to reassure his party that international diplomacy complements domestic policy rather than detracts from it. Some advisers argue that this approach could solidify his leadership by showing that Labour is not only responsive at home but also influential abroad.

The connection between foreign engagement and domestic economic improvement is central to Starmer’s argument. He believes that stability in regions like Venezuela, Greenland, and Iran, where international crises have recently emerged, will have a direct positive effect on Britain’s economy. By negotiating trade deals and contributing to global security, the prime minister contends that families across the UK could see tangible benefits, easing the cost-of-living burden.

Starmer’s position represents a significant strategic shift for Labour. He presents the party as outward-looking and globally engaged, while simultaneously aiming to address pressing domestic concerns. By framing foreign trips as essential for economic well-being, he seeks to convince both MPs and the public that leadership in international arenas directly contributes to solving domestic crises. This dual approach reflects an understanding that in today’s interconnected world, national prosperity cannot be separated from global stability.

Labour insiders note that the prime minister’s approach may be a calculated effort to reinforce his leadership during turbulent times. By linking foreign trips to improving domestic life, Starmer attempts to provide a clear rationale for his international engagements. He portrays a vision where Britain’s economic recovery and reduced cost-of-living pressures are contingent upon active global participation, presenting an argument grounded in pragmatism rather than mere political rhetoric.

As the year progresses, Starmer faces the challenge of balancing his international commitments with domestic expectations. His message to Labour MPs emphasizes that strategic global engagement is not a distraction but a pathway to tangible economic relief for citizens. By framing foreign diplomacy as integral to alleviating cost-of-living concerns, the prime minister hopes to consolidate support within his party and among the electorate, demonstrating that international presence and national welfare can be mutually reinforcing.

The prime minister’s statements signal a broader attempt to redefine Labour’s approach to governance, portraying the party as responsive, dynamic, and capable of addressing complex, interconnected challenges. While critics highlight the need for greater domestic focus, Starmer’s argument presents a compelling case that international strategy and domestic prosperity are not mutually exclusive, with potential benefits for households across the UK.

Starmer’s insistence on remaining “in the room” for international negotiations underscores a philosophy that domestic welfare cannot be addressed in isolation. His focus on linking foreign engagement with improving cost-of-living conditions reflects a strategic, long-term vision for Britain, aiming to demonstrate measurable outcomes for citizens. Labour’s path forward, according to Starmer, will combine global diplomacy, trade negotiation, and domestic policy to deliver meaningful change and renewed confidence in government performance.

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