British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, forced out by his party after losing voter support. He will remain as caretaker until Labour chooses a new leader. Former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham confirmed on social media that he will put himself forward to succeed Starmer. Burnham's recent victory in a special parliamentary election prompted Starmer's decision. He has struggled with economic promises and faced criticism for appointing scandal-linked figures. Despite domestic challenges, Starmer gained international praise for supporting Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump criticized his handling of immigration and energy policy. Starmer's resignation comes as Britain marks the 10th anniversary of its Brexit vote.
U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey has resigned, saying the government is not willing to spend enough on the military at a time of rising threats. Healey told Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday that the government's defense investment plan falls "well short of what is required at this dangerous time." Publication of the plan has been delayed amid reports of disagreement between the defense ministry and the Treasury. Healey wrote in a letter to Starmer that "I am now left with no other option to submit my resignation." Analysts said the departure both undermines Starmer and sends a worrying message about the UK's ability to defend itself.
By STEVEN SLOAN, JOSH BOAK and MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press
King Charles III has acknowledged "times of great uncertainty" while addressing the U.S. Congress. Charles on Tuesday marked the 250th anniversary of American independence from Britain and highlighted the enduring bonds between the two nations. Charles is only the second British monarch to speak to Congress, following Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. Charles' speech comes amid political turmoil, with tensions between President Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the war in Iran. Trump and Charles met at the White House earlier on Tuesday. Charles and Queen Camilla will continue their U.S. trip with stops in New York City and Virginia.
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE and JILL LAWLESS Associated Press
King Charles III has arrived in the United States on a four-day state visit aimed at celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary. The trip beginning Monday comes amid strained trans-Atlantic ties partly over disagreements between the U.K. government and President Donald Trump on issues including the Iran war. The Republican president has praised Charles but criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not supporting military action. The visit of Charles and Queen Camilla includes a White House state dinner and a speech to Congress. They also will visit the Sept. 11 memorial in New York and attend a 250th birthday party in Virginia.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has no plans to resign over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as U.K. ambassador to Washington, despite Mandelson failing security checks. Starmer says he was unaware that the Foreign Office overruled security officials' recommendations in early 2025. He called that "staggering" and "unforgivable." The top Foreign Office civil servant, Olly Robbins, took the fall for the decision and resigned late Thursday. Mandelson was considered risky due to his past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer fired Mandelson in September 2025 after evidence showed he lied about his links to Epstein. Opposition leaders demand Starmer's resignation. He said he will statement to Parliament on the issue on Monday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called Russia and Iran "brothers in hatred." It came as he visited London to seek support from U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer in his country's fight against Russia's invasion. The talks between the two leaders on Tuesday came as the Iran war revives Russia's ailing economy through increased oil revenue, robs U.S.-brokered talks on ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine of momentum, and could soon limit Kyiv's access to vital Western air defense systems that are needed in the Middle East. Starmer said "We can't lose focus on what's going on in Ukraine and the need for our support." NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also attended the talks.
The U.S.-Israel war on Iran has fueled a disagreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Britain hasn't joined in the strikes on Iran and Trump said in an interview published in a British tabloid on Tuesday that the trans-Atlantic relationship is "not what it was." Starmer initially blocked U.S. planes from using British bases for the first attacks that began on Saturday. He later allowed U.S. bombers to use bases in England and the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to strike Iran's missile program. Starmer told lawmakers that "any U.K. actions must always have a lawful basis and a viable, thought-through plan."
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned as dangerous comments by Elon Musk, who told an anti-immigration rally in London that violence is coming to Britain and urged people to fight back. The event organized by far-right campaigner Tommy Robinson saw violence by a minority of those attending with 26 police officers injured and 25 arrests. Starmer's spokesman said, "The U.K. is a fair, tolerant and decent country, so the last thing the British people want is dangerous and inflammatory language." Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged Starmer to consider sanctions against Musk. Starmer has emphasized the importance of peaceful protest and condemned violence against police and intimidation based on background or skin color.
French President Emmanuel Macron praised his country's ties with Britain on the first day of a state visit. The trip that began on Tuesday mixes royal pageantry with thorny political talks about stopping migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats. Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also try to advance plans for a post-ceasefire security force for Ukraine. Macron addressed Britain's Parliament and said that even though Britain has left the EU, it "cannot stay on the sidelines." Macron's three-day stay is at the invitation of King Charles III. It is a symbol of the U.K. government's desire to reset relations with the bloc after Brexit.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have signed a 100-year partnership agreement. It's part of a European show of support to continue helping Ukraine prevail in its nearly three-year war with Russia. The announcement on Thursday came days before Donald Trump is sworn in as U.S. president with what he says is a plan to end Europe's biggest war since World War II. Starmer said that the landmark century-long agreement commits the two sides to cooperate on defense and on technology projects including drones.
