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For the first time ever

(122 Posts)
nanna8 Mon 09-Mar-26 19:17:19

I heard Starmer speaking about the middle east war and I felt proud, yes proud, of him. Excellent speech, no notes. I hope he continues in this vein.

Cossy Thu 12-Mar-26 09:44:09

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.

👏👏

Cossy Thu 12-Mar-26 09:43:13

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?

Grannyipad Thu 12-Mar-26 09:19:23

👍👍👍 Totally agree!

Whitewavemark2 Thu 12-Mar-26 09:16:16

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.

jocork Thu 12-Mar-26 09:12:06

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.

eazybee Thu 12-Mar-26 09:07:32

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.

AGAA4 Thu 12-Mar-26 08:55:18

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.

ronib Thu 12-Mar-26 08:38:00

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

Oreo Thu 12-Mar-26 08:18:36

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

Oreo Thu 12-Mar-26 08:16:33

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

Oreo Thu 12-Mar-26 08:15:19

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…

AGAA4 Thu 12-Mar-26 08:04:08

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.

ronib Thu 12-Mar-26 07:22:38

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

eazybee Thu 12-Mar-26 06:51:03

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.

Allira Wed 11-Mar-26 21:11:52

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.

Iam64 Wed 11-Mar-26 20:42:56

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.

Allira Wed 11-Mar-26 20:38:44

Charisma is over-rated imo.

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

SunnySusie Wed 11-Mar-26 20:20:56

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.

Iam64 Wed 11-Mar-26 20:05:31

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

Musicgirl Wed 11-Mar-26 19:38:46

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.

Musicgirl Wed 11-Mar-26 19:36:03

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.

spabbygirl Wed 11-Mar-26 18:53:11

Chocolatelovinggran

Thank you for your post, nanna8. I know that you have been critical of Mr Starmer in the past, and it's great to hear that you can see some of his strengths. As other people have said, he's made mistakes, but his handling of this isn't one of them.
When I hear Mr Trump speak like a child, or listen to the playground bully rhetoric of Mr Netanyahu, I am so glad to have an adult in charge of my country.

I feel exactly the same, I feel as safe as possible with him in charge

Paddington1914 Wed 11-Mar-26 18:52:52

Where was he speaking? Since I have seen him speak twice in person, and both times he read off a TV screen at the back of the room..

LizzieDrip Wed 11-Mar-26 18:44:16

Hear, hear Jess20 👏👏👏

MaizieD Wed 11-Mar-26 18:38:24

I don't think he has an original thought in his head. He is a puppet for the real powers that be.

And the 'real powers that be' are, who?