European Leaders Praise Starmer as UK Prime Minister Resigns Amid Popularity Decline

Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, declared on Monday that he would step down from his position amid a sharp decline in his popularity. Despite this, European leaders expressed commendation for his tenure, while US President Donald Trump offered harsh criticism. Russia also claimed credit for his departure.

Starmer leaves behind a mixed legacy, with European leaders generally finding him easier to work with compared to his recent predecessors. He rejected proposals for the United Kingdom to rejoin the 27-member European Union but advocated for improved relations following the shock of Brexit.

Starmer became the first prime minister outside the Conservative Party since Britain voted to leave the EU in 2016. Throughout his term, he maintained Britain's central role in providing regional support to Ukraine, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

French President Emmanuel Macron bid farewell to Starmer, stating, "I would like to thank the British Prime Minister for his contribution to strengthening Franco-British relations, his commitment within the 'allies of the willing' supporting Ukraine, and his efforts to revive relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union." Macron added on the platform X that "the work we accomplished together in defense, nuclear energy, space, and innovation, especially during the Franco-British summit held last July, embodies this commitment." He concluded, "We will continue along this path serving the interests of our peoples and Europe."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed her appreciation via X, saying, "It may take years for many leaders to reach the statesman status you achieved in just two years... European and Ukrainian security has been strengthened because of you. Thank you, dear Keir."

Starmer assumed office in 2024 after ousting Rishi Sunak’s government, which had suffered a significant drop in popularity while managing a slowing economy and a nation still divided by the bitter referendum campaign on EU membership.

Like other European leaders, Starmer struggled to win over voters disillusioned with traditional parties, many of whom increasingly gravitated toward rebellious, anti-establishment parties promising bold political changes.

Outside the UK, Starmer’s lack of a prominent public profile was less problematic than domestically, where he was frequently criticized for lacking decisive positions.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin acknowledged in a statement, "I want to recognize the important role Keir played in resetting the Irish-British relationship, as well as the relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union during his premiership."

Ten years ago, British voters chose to leave the EU, but enthusiasm for the project has waned over the decade. Starmer continued supporting Ukraine, adhering to the approach of his Conservative predecessors like Boris Johnson, who backed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following Russia’s attack on Kyiv in 2022.

Zelensky thanked Starmer, saying, "He was always in touch, consistently engaged, and eager to do what is necessary," adding that their conversations were "always of real value." He wrote on X, "Keir, you are always a welcome guest in Ukraine."

A spokesperson for the German government described Starmer as "always a reliable and close partner." However, no statement has yet come from Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is himself facing record lows in popularity, fueling speculation about his political future.

On the other side of the Atlantic, the farewell was less warm. US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Starmer would resign, asserting that he had "failed badly" on key issues such as immigration and energy—areas where Trump strongly disagreed with the British government’s policies.

Russia, which counts Britain among its main adversaries particularly due to its support for Ukraine, took credit for Starmer’s exit. Kirill Dmitriev, President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy, posted on X, "We did it together... by exposing Starmer’s tendency to ignite wars and his continual wrong policies on immigration, crime, energy, and the economy."