Davey: If Starmer fails to attend UN General Assembly it would be a dangerous step towards “continuity Sunak”

EMBARGO: 00.01 Monday 22 September

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has said that Keir Starmer is at risk of being “continuity Sunak” if he decides not to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Rishi Sunak was also criticised for failing to attend the UN summit in September 2023, becoming the first Prime Minister in over a decade not to attend.

The UK has committed to formally recognising the state of Palestine at UNGA - but the Liberal Democrat Leader has said Starmer would be “sleepwalking into the same old failed Conservative approach” if he chooses not to announce the historic move himself at the UN.

He said that Starmer would be “missing in action” on the world stage and “worried about upsetting Donald Trump” following last week’s State Visit.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

"If Keir Starmer fails to attend UNGA at this critical moment, the Prime Minister risks becoming continuity Sunak. The Prime Minister should not be missing in action from Britain’s historic recognition of Palestinian statehood just because he’s worried about upsetting Donald Trump.

"But it's not just on foreign policy. The public voted for change, but all they are getting is a Prime Minister that is sleepwalking into the same old failed Conservative approach.

“From a lack of urgency in tackling the cost of living crisis to the failure to get a grip on the NHS and social care, people are tired of tinkering around the edges.”

ENDS