Starmer's World Cup Dash & UK Power Handover! ⚽🇬🇧
Starmer's World Cup Dash & UK Power Handover! ⚽🇬🇧
Outgoing PM Starmer might fly to the US for the World Cup final if England wins, before a quick return for the UK's leadership transition to Andy Burnham. Plus, Falklands row!
Sir Keir Starmer, the current Prime Minister, is reportedly contemplating a swift journey to the United States for the World Cup final, should England emerge victorious against Argentina in their semi-final clash on Wednesday. This potential last-minute trip would be one of his final acts in office, with plans to watch the game at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Sources indicate that the outgoing Prime Minister intends to fly back to London immediately after the match, aiming to land around 7:30 AM on Monday morning. This tight schedule would allow him to be present for his final morning in the top job and ensure no delay to the transfer of power. Following his return, Sir Keir is expected to deliver his farewell speech at Downing Street before heading to Buckingham Palace to formally submit his resignation to the King.
Later that same afternoon, Andy Burnham is slated to be "coronated" as the new Prime Minister. Burnham's path to leadership was secured after he amassed an additional 27 nominations from Labour MPs on Monday, bringing his total to an impressive 349.
Amidst these political transitions and sporting excitements, a diplomatic incident recently arose concerning the Falkland Islands. Just days before the England-Argentina semi-final, Argentina's foreign minister, Pablo Quirno, controversially claimed that the Falklands population was "artificially implanted by the occupying power." Downing Street swiftly and firmly rejected these remarks, asserting that the Falkland islanders are "British with a right to determine their own future." The Prime Minister's official spokesman emphasized the UK's clear stance: "The islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British overseas territory, and their right to self-determination is paramount."
In a final note of speculation, the government is reportedly considering declaring a bank holiday on Friday, July 24th, but only if England not only wins the semi-final but also goes all the way to secure the World Cup trophy.
