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Keir Starmer’s Opportunity for a Comprehensive Security Strategy

Just over a year ago, Keir Starmer’s rise in politics could be likened to a “lucky general,” a term used by Napoleon to describe leaders who achieve success despite misgivings. However, following a decisive electoral victory six months ago, discussions about “luck” seem misplaced, as criticisms about numerous tactical missteps abound. Yet, in the midst of this political turbulence—a global landscape marked by shifting powers, with an authoritarian regime to the west and another asserting dominance to the east—Starmer’s tenure may be shaped by unexpected fortuitous circumstances. This context presents him with a unique chance to carve out a clear purpose for his government.

Starmer himself has characterized the current geopolitical climate as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.” The status quo has transformed irrevocably; a return to “normalcy” is now improbable. Most notably, the unwavering belief in atlanticism—the notion that the US-UK alliance is perpetually beneficial—has begun to erode. This shift affords the UK the flexibility to redefine its defense and security policies on its own terms, especially as public sentiment increasingly prioritizes national defense.

It is imperative, however, to recognize that an in-depth and candid discussion about defense is neither merely ideational nor optional; it is a moral and political obligation. For many progressives, the topic of war—and the preparations necessary for it—can feel regressive, as it suggests a surrender to humanity’s darker tendencies and diverts essential resources from constructive initiatives to destructive ones. Engaging in politics was intended to prevent loss of life and to break away from Britain’s imperial legacy, rather than reignite it.

The focus here is not on overseas military conflicts, but rather on the necessity of national defense. Russia displays clear imperial aspirations, and former President Trump made no secret of his intentions to expand US territorial claims. The pressing questions must be addressed, even if they stir controversy.

In the post-Trump era, is it reasonable to view atlanticism as a viable policy for the UK government? Can we count on Europe as a stable partner moving forward? Additionally, what does the future hold for the UK’s Trident nuclear program? Relying on a nuclear capability contingent upon American agendas raises concerns—how effective is a system that might be constrained or manipulated by a US administration acting in its own interests?

This line of inquiry transcends ideology; it is strategically vital. Beyond immediate concerns, deeper threats loom on the horizon due to climate change, resource scarcity, and cybersecurity issues exacerbated by artificial intelligence. The US is already adapting to these dynamics, as illustrated by its insistence on Ukraine supplying key minerals. The UK cannot depend on American strategies to align with its own national interests.

This moment in time requires an urgent and proactive approach. Caution and excessive risk aversion are luxuries we can no longer afford. The temptation exists to enhance defense spending at the expense of broader public investment, a strategy that ultimately serves only to bolster political narratives criticizing elites while failing to provide the necessary security.

A comprehensive approach to security—addressing military, cyber, and environmental threats—should be intrinsically linked to an industrial strategy. Defense has historically propelled innovation and technological progress; to sustain this momentum, we must move beyond traditional Ministry of Defence procurement methods, which often waste public funds and benefits. Instead, the government should assert more control to ensure taxpayer resources are properly allocated and redistributed.

Investment strategies should promote greater economic democracy within the defense industry, enabling collaborative production with organized labor. Defense sectors must focus on broader security imperatives, contributing to essential infrastructure developments that bolster our resilience against energy crises stemming from economic conflicts: initiatives like retrofitting homes for energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy sources, safeguarding critical manufacturing facilities, and ensuring the sustainable management of vital resources for the public good, rather than allowing them to be mismanaged by overseas private investors.

This strategy must be grassroots-driven, granting each citizen a shared responsibility in securing the future. A fragmented society is vulnerable to collapse. Therefore, both the UK and Europe must strive for social unity, investing in peoples’ welfare to ensure that if sacrifices must be made, they are distributed equitably. The most vulnerable populations should not bear the primary burden of these changes alone; rather, they should also be empowered to participate in the process of transformation.

Additionally, this vision cannot be insulated or isolationist. The UK’s handling of international crises, such as the situation in Gaza, has significantly undermined its credibility among nations of the Global South and within emerging economies like the BRICS alliance. As global dynamics evolve towards a multipolar world, the UK should advocate for renewed multilateralism, leveraging its diplomatic influence and investing further in its soft power—not cutting it back—to ensure that Britain remains an active player within shifting global power structures.

We are witnessing an unparalleled era of geopolitical instability. The challenges are numerous and profound, yet the possibilities are vast; opportunities abound to reconstruct the economy fundamentally and redefine our foreign and security strategies independently.

What Britain needs is a forward-thinking vision of security, intricately woven with economic transformation, social resilience, and international engagement. Starmer stands at a pivotal junction—not just to navigate this new landscape, but to reshape it by aligning Britain with progressive values. If he embraces this moment, he can emerge as a transformative leader, earning his place in history—not through luck, but through deliberate action and conviction.

Clive Lewis is the Labour MP for Norwich South

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Source
www.theguardian.com