UK PM Starmer Says He Is Fed Up With Trump

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed frustration over the impact that the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are having on energy costs for households and businesses in the United Kingdom.

During an interview with ITV News’ Talking Politics podcast on April 9, 2026, Starmer stated that he is fed up with the economic instability and fluctuating energy bills experienced by the British public due to the global activities of both Trump and Putin.

The Prime Minister’s remarks coincided with a period of volatility in oil prices, which have surged during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and continued to fluctuate during a fragile two-week ceasefire.

Energy Resilience and National Interest

Starmer argued that the United Kingdom must increase its energy resilience and independence to protect its citizens from the volatility of the international market. He asserted that British families and businesses should not be subjected to price swings driven by foreign leaders, nor should the country pay for a conflict in which it is not actively involved.

In an opinion piece published in the Guardian on Thursday, April 9, 2026, the Prime Minister identified the war with Iran as a critical warning. He stated that Britain must build resilience both domestically and in coordination with European allies.

Throughout this conflict, I have been guided by the principle that Britain’s national interest is best served by de-escalation, diplomacy and the swift reopening of the Strait of Hormuz

Keir Starmer

Diplomatic Efforts in the Gulf

On Friday, April 10, 2026, Starmer arrived in Qatar to conclude a three-day visit to Gulf states. The primary focus of these discussions was the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint that remains under Iranian control despite the temporary ceasefire.

Starmer emphasized that the involvement of regional neighbors is essential for the ceasefire to hold and for the waterway to be unblocked. He informed reporters that he held a discussion with President Trump on the night of April 9, 2026, to convey the perspectives of the Gulf states.

This diplomatic push comes as President Trump issued further criticisms on April 9, 2026, regarding Iran’s management of the Strait of Hormuz, specifically concerning the charging of fees for oil tankers passing through the waterway.

Regional Tensions and Conflict

Beyond the energy and maritime concerns, Starmer addressed other aspects of the regional conflict. He stated that Israel was wrong to order deadly strikes on Lebanon during the period of the ceasefire.

The broader geopolitical instability mentioned by the Prime Minister includes the ongoing repercussions of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022 and continues to affect the global economy.

The Prime Minister’s comments reflect a growing tension as European leaders criticize the impact of U.S. Policy on the Iran war and the resulting economic instability felt across the continent.