Embattled Starmer holds crunch talks with Streeting before King’s Speech

WorldPolitics
13 May 2026 • 4:05 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Embattled Starmer holds crunch talks with Streeting before King’s Speech

  • Wes Streeting held a brief meeting with Keir Starmer at No10 Downing Street following allegations of a Labour rebellion.
  • The meeting took place ahead of King Charles’ speech at the state opening of Parliament, with Buckingham Palace reportedly advising against involving the monarch in Labour's leadership crisis.
  • Several Labour MPs, including Jess Phillips and junior minister Miatta Fahnbulleh, have resigned and urged Sir Keir to set a timetable for his departure, with at least 80 MPs calling for a leadership change.
  • Despite the calls for his resignation, Sir Keir Starmer has defiantly told his Cabinet he 'will not quit' and urged their support.
  • Conversely, over 100 Labour MPs have signed a statement backing Sir Keir Starmer, asserting that 'this is no time for a leadership contest'.

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