For the first time ever

Sarnia

I didn't vote for and don't like Sir Keir Starmer. However, I much prefer his measured approach to Trump's illegal war. I would think far less of him had he done a Blair and jumped into this present conflict just to keep in Trump's good books.

I agree with every word you have written.

SaxonGrace

I don’t like Starmer and probably never will, however when I look at the likely replacements for him Rayner, Streeting, Lammy , Cooper et al I despair, perhaps better the devil we know.

My thoughts exactly. At least he has behaved with true leadership and integrity in this very dangerous situation.

I’m relieved to see Keir Starmer demonstrating why he was voted Labour leader

I think Starmer is doing exactly the right thing in the right way regarding the Iran war. He has of course a superb knowledge of law, but also some morals, unlike other leaders we wont mention. I am so proud that we didnt follow the U.S. into this conflict.

Charisma is over-rated imo.

Starmer may not have charisma but it feels like we have a steady hand at the helm.

Much as I disapproved of Boris Johnson in every way, there were times when he made me laugh, he had some kind of charisma
Keir Starmer is a serious individual, he’s had serious roles in his work life pre Parliament. I saw him speak at the Hustings during the leadership campaign. I found him warm, entertaining, honest and genuine. I’m relieved he’s our PM in these unstable times.

Much as I disapproved of Boris Johnson in every way, there were times when he made me laugh, he had some kind of charisma

I agree but it was because he was eccentric and slightly bonkers which perhaps aren't the best attributes in a Prime Minister.

Starmer lacks political nous.
It is his arrogance in pursuing his own beliefs against the sage council of others more experienced that is his undoing, the latest example being the debacle, entirely of his own making, over his appointment of Peter Mandelson.
He has shamed Britain with his refusal to prepare for the possibility of aid to Cyprus, ignoring at least three weeks of warning.

Well now we know that under Starmer, the first line of defence for Cyprus comes from Italy, France and Germany. Let’s not pretend.

Poverty of resources caused by many years of the Tories lack of funding for our military meant we aren't able to respond as we would wish.
To blame Starmer for the many years of neglect is rather unfair.

AGAA4

Poverty of resources caused by many years of the Tories lack of funding for our military meant we aren't able to respond as we would wish.
To blame Starmer for the many years of neglect is rather unfair.

Nothing to do with that in this case.Yes, 14 years of underfunding has left the UK at an all time low in defence but Starmer knew what was building up in the ME and could have sent both HMS Dragon and the aircraft carrier to be nearer to that area…

I don’t know what contract we have with Cyprus but they may well want rid of our bases there after this debacle.

As to Starmer and his judgement, the other debacle about appointing Mandelson is ongoing.

In fact, Starmer might be the best of a totally useless bunch…. Damage limitation? Only another 3 years to go….

Starmer is the best we have for not following Trump into this illegal war.
We remember Iraq and the aftermath.

A very angry Bin Laden began a group that became Al Queda. I remember the fear they instilled and the lives lost and damage done
This could very well happen in Iran after Trump has had enough and pulled out.

No-one is disputing the continuous lack of funding of the armed forces, but three weeks notice would have allowed for the welding to be completed on the ship in question on time.

I'm fed up of hearing the media saying that Starmer won't last much longer. He took on the country when we were in a mess so he had a huge task aahead of him. He hasn't always got things right but he has apologised for his mistakes and doesn't generally try to blame everyone else. I agree he has handled the current crisis as well as anyone could have.

It took a while to make the ship seaworthy and correctly stocked with munitions.

Apart from Badenoch who appears to be disappearing down a very deep pit of her own making, everyone seems to understand this, and the fact that the Tories were principally responsible for the dire situation in which our military finds itself - although I think our RAF seems better equipped.

👍👍👍 Totally agree!

ronib

In fact, Starmer might be the best of a totally useless bunch…. Damage limitation? Only another 3 years to go….

And then what? More Tories or even worse?

jocork

I'm fed up of hearing the media saying that Starmer won't last much longer. He took on the country when we were in a mess so he had a huge task aahead of him. He hasn't always got things right but he has apologised for his mistakes and doesn't generally try to blame everyone else. I agree he has handled the current crisis as well as anyone could have.

👏👏

ronib

Well now we know that under Starmer, the first line of defence for Cyprus comes from Italy, France and Germany. Let’s not pretend.

Totally agree with you. And yard workers only working 9.00 - to 5.00.

I can remember both the Suez crisis. My father was in the army in what is now the Royal Logistics Corps. The depot he commanded was staffed mainly by civilian workers and they were working all hours, my father with them to get all the stores needed ready and away asap.

As for the navy. The ship should have been ready and waiting, reuiring less than 24 hours to sail. It is not as if we were living in an absolutely peaceful world and the US attacks were totally unexpected. In turbulent times like the moment all our armed services should have been given instructions to make ssure they were ready to deploy within 24 hours. Why else do we have armed forces, if they need weeks to get ready if anything happens?

It would be much easier to have our war fleet ready for service immediately if we had more of them. Have you actually looked at the size of the UK fleet, and seen how many of the ships are in refit or not currently in service?

I supported Starmers policies and thought he would make a good PM but that was 2 yrs ago.
In the event the GE gave him a massive majority that he can't control, so he is forced into unpopular compromise, making him look weak. Currently being able to retain a majority at the next GE looks very uncertain, assuming he survives that long.

Casdon

It would be much easier to have our war fleet ready for service immediately if we had more of them. Have you actually looked at the size of the UK fleet, and seen how many of the ships are in refit or not currently in service?

That is what is so appalling, whether the fault lies with the navy or the government, doesn't matter, either way it is a dereliction of duty and the failure of governments of all persuasions to look to our defences that have reduced this country to its knees where it is incapable of defending itself or anywhere else.