UK (Parliament Politics Magazine)- Keir Starmer and his family will spend a few days abroad over New Year, marking his first overseas break since he took office.
The prime minister, who has access to Chequers, will take his first family holiday abroad since the election, after the delay of a planned August break in Europe due to civil unrest.
As reported by The Guardian, Keir Starmer’s spokesman said he and his family will spend Christmas at Chequers before travelling abroad “for a few days” for New Year. Downing Street did not disclose their destination and further travelling schedule yet.
In response to whether Angela Rayner would temporarily take charge during this time, the spokesperson said Sir Starmer would continue to lead.
Following the unrest in August, Mr. Starmer rescheduled his delayed family holiday. He had planned to go to Europe, but instead stayed home as police forces remained on “high alert.”
Mr. Starmer’s choice to stay during the unrest stood in contrast to Boris Johnson’s refusal to go home during the 2011 London riots. At the time, the then-London mayor, spending holidays in North America, was criticized for his delayed return, while speaking to one local said,
“I came as fast as I could.”
Boris Johnson’s love for fancy holidays showed after the 2019 election when he spent New Year on Mustique with Carrie Symonds.
According to Rachel Johnson, the delay in Boris Johnson’s return during the 2011 riots was partly due to being on a motorhome holiday without a phone signal. She added that he had to drive to an airport as his wife, Marina Wheeler couldn’t reach the pedals.
The Mirror reports that during the summer, former prime minister Boris Johnson taunted Sir Starmer to take a break, advising him to take a holiday and “recharge the batteries.”
In response, the government spokesperson stated that Starmer’s decision not to take a holiday showed its “commitment to public service.”
It is also believed that Politicians may work better after a break, but being away during important decisions can lead to criticism.
Similarly, Dominic Raab faced backlash as foreign secretary for staying on a family beach holiday in Greece for several days while the Afghan government collapsed after the US-UK forces withdrew.
Before starting the trip, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskky on Monday morning.
Sky News reported that both leaders talked about Britain’s ongoing assistance to Kyiv in its conflict with Russia.
A government spokesperson stated, “President Zelenskyy reflected on the situation on the frontline in Ukraine and the need to ensure Ukraine could degrade Russian forces for the long haul.”
The spokesperson also defended the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US under Trump, highlighting his expertise in foreign policy and trade, and stressing Britain’s commitment to its ties with the United States.
Earlier this month, Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff and national security adviser visited to White House to meet the upcoming administration.
Donald Trump and Keir Starmer also spoke over the phone last Wednesday, sources reveal that the Prime Minister may visit the US in February.