UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British PM Keir Starmer praises his son on International Men’s Day, highlighting pressures on young men as the government launches a men’s health strategy.
As reported by The Independent, in a video marking International Men’s Day, Sir Keir Starmer expressed pride in his son and shared how he enjoys takeaway meals with him.
What did Keir Starmer say about his relationship with his son?
Sir Keir Starmer reflected on his difficult relationship with his father, saying he was determined that his bond with his son
“would be different.”
In an Instagram post, Mr Starmer shared a video message for his son, whose name he has kept private, saying,
“It feels like only yesterday that we brought you home, so nervous but so excited for the journey ahead.”
He added,
“Today, almost unbelievably, you’re already 17. You’re taller than I am and you’ve grown into a confident, kind, wonderful young man, and I’m so proud of you. I didn’t have a very close relationship with my own dad.”
The Labour leader said,
“When my mum, your grandma Jo, was sick, and she was very sick, he cared for her devotedly, but he and I never really spoke, we never really got to know each other.”
Mr Starmer stated,
“I was determined that my relationship with you was going to be different and spending time with you is one of the highlights of my week, whether it’s a takeaway or going to watch Arsenal.”
The prime minister spoke about the struggles of growing up as a young man in modern society, addressing issues like mental health, masculinity, and social media pressures.
He said,
“I remember when we watched Adolescence together, as a dad it was tough to see at times. But if there is one hope I have it’s that we keep talking, keep learning from each other, keep helping each other.”
The Labour leader continued,
“The reason I do the job I do – and I know that means huge sacrifices for you, for your sister and your mum – is because I want the world for tomorrow’s generation to be better.”
Mr Starmer recalled that, as a child, he often heard a voice in his mind telling him he was not “right” or capable of certain tasks.
The prime minister added,
“If I have one message for you and for every other child growing up, it is this – don’t listen to that voice. Every young person has something to offer and I want to make sure every child realises their dreams, so your generation has the future that it deserves.”
He concluded,
“You and your sister are my pride and joy. Love Dad.”
How does the UK Government plan to tackle men’s health challenges?
The UK government has launched a new strategy on men’s health, targeting issues such as suicide, alcohol abuse, and gambling addiction.
The government will release the full strategy on Wednesday, outlining plans to tackle the physical and mental health challenges faced by men.
The Department of Health warned that men tend to avoid seeking help, suffer in silence, and are more likely than women to smoke, drink, gamble, and use drugs.
Over the next three years, the government will grant £3.6 million to suicide prevention projects for middle-aged men in local communities most at risk, including England’s most deprived areas.
Men under 50 face high suicide risks, accounting for three-quarters of all suicides.
A new government collaboration will promote the Premier League’s Together Against Suicide initiative, with the Samaritans, providing men with football match and online support.
The government is committing £200,000 to a trial aimed at educating men, especially older men, about the dangers of mixing cocaine and alcohol.
Men aged 55–64 face the highest risk of alcohol-related heart deaths, and mixing alcohol with cocaine raises immediate death 18–25 times.
The government’s strategy also aims to gather evidence to identify effective approaches to tackling gambling harms, including addiction.
The strategy will also introduce home blood tests for prostate cancer, a £3 million fund for community men’s health programs, and new e-learning resources for NHS staff.
As part of the plan, EDF Energy will run workplace health programs to support men working in male-dominated industries.
What did Wes Streeting say about men’s health?
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said,
“For too long, men’s health has been overlooked. There has been a reluctance to accept that men suffer specific inequalities and hardships.”
He stated,
“The fact is that life can be really difficult for men in today’s society. Men are dying nearly four years earlier than women, and suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for men under 50.”
Mr Streeting added,
“This strategy marks a turning point – the first time we’re taking comprehensive, co-ordinated action to address the health challenges facing men and boys.”
When is International Men’s Day, and what is its purpose?
International Men’s Day is celebrated on November 19. The day focuses on improving the lives and well-being of men and boys around the world. This was first celebrated in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago.
Its main purposes are to promote positive male role models from all walks of life, not just celebrities
The day also focuses on men’s health and well-being, including physical, emotional, and mental health. A key goal is raising awareness for issues like male suicide prevention.
