In a move that has been widely described as a masterclass in political tightrope walking, Sir Keir Starmer has once again demonstrated his unique ability to be all things to all people, or at least, to avoid being one thing to anyone. On the issue of recognizing a Palestinian state, the Prime Minister has taken a bold stance that can be summed up as: “We will recognize a Palestinian state… unless we don’t.” His new policy, a triumph of conditional diplomacy, promises recognition by September, provided a number of very specific conditions are met. This has delighted both those who want immediate recognition and those who oppose it, as each can read into the statement their own desired outcome, while the man himself remains serenely poised in the middle, a human embodiment of a shrug emoji.
Meanwhile, on the home front, the government’s groundbreaking “one-in, one-out” treaty with France on illegal migration has come into force. The scheme, which sounds suspiciously like a nightclub door policy, promises to return anyone who arrives illegally by small boat to France. In a statement, Starmer lauded the new approach, saying that “the days of gimmicks and broken promises are over.” He failed to clarify whether this statement was a reflection on his predecessor’s policies, or a preemptive strike against any future criticism of his own.
Finally, in a separate development, Starmer led tributes to the late Lord Sawyer, former Labour party general secretary. The Prime Minister’s heartfelt words praised Sawyer’s “unrelenting belief in the dignity of working people and opportunity for all.” This poignant moment of reflection provided a brief respite from the day’s other headlines, reminding us all that even in the chaotic world of modern politics, there is still room for a little bit of carefully worded, politically astute sincerity.
Kierless Whispers 