Starmer Heads Right?

No one would have believed when Labour won the general election in July that Sir Keir would move to the right. Sir Keir promised something completely different (to quote Monty Python) from what had gone before. Sir Keir was to have a human rights view on foreign policy. Sir Keir promised to bin everything the Tories had done before. Sir Keir, promised a "politics of service" upon entering office. Sir Keir inherited broken public services, overflowing prisons, and that old chestnut: immigration.

His war on private schools and tax rises on the most well-off. His attacks on farmers and pensioners and his net zero emissions energy policy.

However, something has happened to Sir Keir. Trump and Keir got on like the proverbial house on fire. Was it Bush and Blair II? Starmer committed to upping UK defence spending in line with Trump's wishes. Sir Keir handed Donald, a letter from King Charles III, inviting the "Orange One" for a state visit to 'Blighty'.

Sir Keir Starmer has seen the writing on the wall as Reform has overtaken Labour in popularity. So has Sir Keir stolen Nigel Farage's clothes? Is he taking advantage of the internal fighting in Reform UK? Starmer now stands on the right. Adopting policies that Reform UK would be proud of. A week as they say is a long time in politics and how?

Sir Keir has slashed the foreign aid budget something David Cameron championed. Increasing defence spending, doing a bonfire on quangos, and wanting to cut the welfare bill.

Doing away with NHS England will see 9000 employees lose their jobs. It's all about saving money and building the economy. Similar to Trump employing 'Martian man' Elon Musk. Musk's modus operandi is to delete government depts that waste money. Departments that thrived under Biden. Much of it may be about saving money but it is also a witch hunt on the former Biden administration.

Many called the reign of Tony Blair right-wing or centre but not that left. One recalls the bromance between Bush and Blair. And the dreaded invasion of Iraq, under the guise of "The War on Terror". This war was all about finishing where Bush I had left off. Toppling the moustachioed Iraqi Dictator. It came at the cost of thousands of Iraqi military and civilian lives. There then followed a war where the US, UK, and Australia, paid a high price in military lives. Some in the Middle East and the wider world saw Bush as Hitler and Blair as Mussolini, the junior partner. This controversial war will follow both Bush and Blair to their graves. Many believe both men should be put on trial. To answer the charges of an illegal war and crimes against humanity. Of course, it will never happen, just like Putin and Netanyahu will (probably) never face a court and answer for their crimes.

Trump is now threatening to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. Will Sir Keir join Trump and Nutteryahu (Netanyahu) in such a dangerous escapade? Iran will not take it lying down.

Would this then drag in China and Russia? All leaders must think soberly and seriously before embarking on something catastrophic.

So in adopting Trump-like polices is this, a genuine conversion for Sir Keir? A compromise or is it a case of political survival? By adopting such policies Reform and the Tories won't have a leg to stand on. By doing this Sir Keir is playing the long game hoping this about-face will save his premiership. Ultimately, this gamble will bring dividends politically or it will not. It is as simple as that and Sir Keir and the Labour Party know it.