Keir Starmer has a lot to deal with as he returns from his Easter break — and it’s far from a gentle landing. After taking a short holiday to recharge, the PM comes back to a wave of urgent issues both at home and abroad.
Even his getaway wasn’t without disruption. He had to delay it to try and stop British Steel’s Scunthorpe site from collapsing — a move that ended up saving 2,700 jobs. Ministers had to step in after Chinese owners Jingye failed to get the materials needed to keep operations running. Although the immediate crisis was averted, the long-term future of the plant is still uncertain, and full nationalisation is now on the cards, reported the Mirror.
On top of that, Starmer is dealing with mounting pressure over the small boats crisis. A man died trying to cross the Channel on Friday, and over 9,000 people have arrived by boat so far this year — that’s 42% more than the same period last year. The Government says it’s cracking down on trafficking gangs, but critics want action and results, not just promises.
Then there’s Donald Trump. His return to the White House has thrown international relations into chaos. The 25% tariffs he’s slapped on steel and cars are a serious threat to the UK economy. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is off to Washington this week to try and secure a trade deal that could offer some relief. She’s made it clear — if it’s not in Britain’s interest, they’re ready to walk away.
Meanwhile, the ongoing war in Ukraine is proving another diplomatic minefield. Trump keeps flip-flopping — one minute calling for a deal, the next threatening to abandon peace talks. Starmer has been working with Macron and other EU leaders on a peace plan, but without US backing, progress is uncertain.
The PM also has domestic challenges stacking up. Local elections are just around the corner, with 1,600 council seats in play. With Reform UK making noise and the Tories at risk of major losses, it could be a big moment for Labour — or a wake-up call. Especially in places like Derbyshire and Runcorn, where Farage’s party is eyeing upset wins.
Adding to the tension is the Supreme Court ruling on biological sex. It’s stirred up backlash within Labour and across the country. The court’s decision says legal protections for single-sex spaces must be based on biological sex, not gender identity, sparking anger from the trans community and raising concerns from Labour MPS.
And finally, the Hillsborough Law promise remains unfulfilled. Starmer is facing criticism for missing the deadline to deliver it before the tragedy’s anniversary. Campaigners, including those who helped draft the bill, say they’re not giving up and are ready to ramp up pressure on the Government.
All in all, Starmer’s break is well and truly over — and he’s got a packed, difficult road ahead.
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