Keir Starmer Calls Himself A 'Common Sense Merchant' When Faced With List Of His 13 U-Turns
Keir Starmer has called himself a “common sense merchant” in a bizarre defence amid speculation another government U-turn is on the way.
The prime minister appeared to be on the cusp of losing his job last week over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson to be the ambassador to the US, despite his ties to dead paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Frustration over that move was compounded when it emerged he had also elevated his former comms chief, Matthew Doyle, to the House of Lords even though he had known links to a convicted sex offender, too.
Mandelson has quit the Labour Party and Doyle had the party whip suspended.
But, the two scandals – combined with Labour’s declining poll ratings and extensive policy U-turns – meant it briefly looked like Starmer was going to be kicked out of No.10.
While he narrowly held on, BBC Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine reminded Starmer that he could be taking another political risk by flirting with the idea of a social media ban for those under-16 after initially saying he had no intention to impose such a block.
“It then takes its place with this list of U-turns,” Vine said in an interview with the PM. “Grooming gangs, the measurement of government debt, trans rights, the two-child benefit cap, the WASPI women, winter fuel payments – the famous one – sickness and benefits cuts, national insurance, income tax thresholds, unfair dismissal of new workers, inheritance tax on farmers, business rates for pub U-turn, digital ID cards... that’s 13!”
Starmer replied: “I think most people listening would say on under-16s on social media, just get it right.
“There are no easy answers, but I’m a pragmatist, I’m a common sense merchant –”
Vine laughed and said: “Then why announce something if you’re going to change your mind?”
Starmer said a consultation was needed, as “no government in the UK has grappled with this before” adding: “I’m absolutely clear in my mind that we’ve got to take action.”
The prime minister continued: “Yes of course political opponents will say this and that – what I’m concerned about is the teenagers online who are looking at stuff they shouldn’t be looking at.
“My job is to make sure we get them to a safer place. Frankly, whatever it takes to get there –”
“Call it a U-turn,” Vine cut in. “Voters they vote for something and expect you to do it.”
The presenter also pointed out: “You’ve had 600 days or there about as prime minister, it’s been absolutely hectic. What do you most regret about those 600 days?”
Starmer deflected by trying to talk about what he thinks has done well, including the UK’s leading role on the international stage and the fall in NHS waiting lists.
He then added: “No government gets things 100% right.”