Sir Keir Starmer was asked if he had the “reverse Midas touch” during his press conference in India. The Prime Minister was grilled about being “really unpopular” in the UK with support for digital ID plummeting in polls after he announced plans to introduce it, in contrast to his warm welcome in Mumbai.
He replied: “On digital ID let me be really clear about it. We have made a commitment to do whatever we can to stop people arriving illegally in the UK.
“One of the issues is the ability people have to work illegally in our economy. We have to do something about that, we can’t shirk that or duck that.
“I think the vast majority if not everyone in the UK wants it gripped and we need to therefore take measures necessary to grip it.
“One of the things on digital ID that I do think we need to emphasise and make the case for is the great benefits of digital ID.
“You could see from Estonia the speed with which people access services that are available to them, which has been transformational. And there’s great enthusiasm in Estonia for it,” he said.
“Here in India, I think it’s a billion people have digital ID. It’s been taken up on a voluntary basis in huge numbers, not least because it means that you can access your own money, make payments so much more easily than is available with others.
“So, I think now we need to go out and make that case of the huge benefits that this will bring. There needs to be a national debate about it.”
It comes as Sir Keir has travelled to Mumbai on a trade mission following the deal between the UK and India.
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Starmer wraps up India trip
Sir Keir Starmer said he had “seized the opportunities created by our trade deal with India in full” as he headed back from his trade mission.
The Prime Minister added: “We’ve secured new investments into the UK, and created 10,600 jobs across the entire country, in some of our most thriving industries. And we’ve flown the flag for British business in India – opening doors and galvanising our partnerships.
“Our outward-looking and proud approach is delivering real change, which people will see in their communities up and down the country.”
Analysis: Starmer takes Mumbai but will come back to Westminster with a bump
Pictures of Sir Keir Starmer were festooned throughout the city of Mumbai this week as Indian PM Narendra Modi gave his British counterpart a welcome he will never forget.
Around 5,700 posters were printed and dancers performed along the route from the airport to celebrate the Prime Minister’s arrival.
Nothing like this happens when Sir Keir turns up in Liverpool for the Labour conference. Last week’s gathering of the Labour faithful was marred by rampant speculation Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham would make a bid for the top job.
Dire poll ratings against Reform UK and a stagnant economy have made the PM look vulnerable in Britain – but in Mumbai he was greeted as a colossus on the global stage. It must do wonders for your self-esteem.
Read the full analysis here
Starmer insists no ministers involved in China spy case collapse
Sir Keir Starmer said no ministers were involved in the collapse of the trial of alleged Chinese spies.
The Prime Minister told a press conference in Mumbai: “The evidence in this case was drawn up at the time and reflected the position as it was at the time. And that has remained the situation from start to finish. That is inevitably the case, because in the United Kingdom you can only try people on the basis of the situation as it was at the time.
“You can’t try people on the basis of situation as it now is or might be in the future. And therefore, the only evidence that a court would ever admit on this would be evidence of what the situation was at the time.
“So that’s the base on which the evidence was drawn up, the witness statements were drawn up. And I can be absolutely clear, no ministers were involved in any of the decisions since this Government’s been in in relation to the evidence that’s put before the court on this issue.
“The evidence was the evidence as it then was, that’s the only relevant evidence, and that evidence was the situation as it was under the last government, the Tory government, rather than under this Government.
“It’s not a party political point. It’s a matter of law. You can only try someone on the basis of the situation as it was at the time of the alleged offence.
“You can’t try them on the basis of the situation as it might evolve, weeks, months, years down the line. That’s a fundamental and that’s at the centre of this particular issue.”
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Starmer asked if he has ‘reverse Midas touch’
Sir Keir Starmer was asked if he had the “reverse Midas touch” after support for digital ID dropped in polls following his announcement on plans to introduce it.
He replied: “On digital ID let me be really clear about it. Firstly, we have made a commitment to do whatever we can to stop people arriving illegally in the UK.
“One of the issues is the ability people have to work illegally in our economy. We have to do something about that, we can’t shirk that or duck that.
“I think the vast majority if not everyone in the UK wants it gripped and we need to therefore take measures necessary to grip it.
“One of the things on digital ID that I do think we need to emphasise and make the case for is the great benefits of digital ID.
“You could see from Estonia the speed with which people access services that are available to them, which has been transformational. And there’s great enthusiasm in Estonia for it,” he said.
“Here in India, I think it’s a billion people have digital ID. It’s been taken up on a voluntary basis in huge numbers, not least because it means that you can access your own money, make payments so much more easily than is available with others.
“So, I think now we need to go out and make that case of the huge benefits that this will bring. There needs to be a national debate about it.”
PM praises Trump over Gaza peace deal
Sir Keir Starmer was asked if US President Donald Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize over the Gaza agreement.
He said: “This is a very significant step forward and it would not have happened without President Trump’s leadership on this.
“And I want to be really clear about that and I say that from the informed position of the UK having played a part behind the scenes in this with the US and with the mediators.
“What matters now is to press on and implement this.”
Starmer says he raised issue of India buying Russian oil
Sir Keir Starmer raised the issue of India buying Russian oil during his trip to Mumbai.
The Prime Minister said: “Yes, we did discuss that this morning with President Modi, and we each went through the steps we’re taking to bring about a resolution of the conflict.
“We emphasised, in particular, our focus on the shadow fleet and the work that we’re doing leading the coalition of the willing.”
He added that it was a wide-ranging discussion.
The Prime Minister also said he had raised the case of Jagtar Singh Johal, a Sikh activist from Dumbarton near Glasgow, who has been locked up in an Indian jail for nearly eight years.
Starmer asked about Blair’s role in Gaza plan
Sir Keir Starmer insisted he is “less interested … in discussions of personnel” when asked about Sir Tony Blair’s involvement in the Gaza peace plan.
The former prime minister was named by US President Donald Trump as one of a group of international leaders who would sit on a “Board of Peace” to oversee an interim governing authority for Gaza.
Sir Keir told the press conference: “The first and most important thing to say is the deal today is a real breakthrough, and that is why it’s important that we recognise that and recognise the human impact that is going to have on those that have been most affected.
“And that’s why I’ve referenced in particular the hostages, their families and all civilians in Gaza, who have been through unimaginable horrors and grief over the last period of this conflict.
“Now it does need to be implemented. I’m less interested, to be perfectly frank, in discussions about personnel than I am in getting it implemented.
“The UK has played an important part behind the scenes in relation to these negotiations, working with the US mediators, and we stand ready to play our part in implementing this.”
Starmer welcomes Gaza peace deal
Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the agreement between Israel and Hamas to end fighting in Gaza.
He said: “We’ll take this opportunity to put on record my thanks to President Trump for his leadership and to Qatar and to Egypt.
“It is a relief to the world and I think particularly of the hostages who’ve been held a very long time and their families and to all the civilians in Gaza who’ve been so affected by this conflict.
“And so it does now need to be implemented and as for the next stages, we, the UK, stand ready to work with others on implementing the next stages that were set out in the plan.
“But it is a really important step that’s been reached here and that’s why I strongly welcome it.”
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Starmer says he has secured £1.3bn investment
Sir Keir Starmer said his trade mission to India was to “follow through on this deal”.
The Prime Minister added: “The opportunity is clear. Just look at the sheer scale of India, the world’s largest democracy on track to become the third-largest economy by 2028. An economic superpower in the making. And we the UK are perfectly placed to be partners on that journey.
“We want to build the sectors and the skills of the future together. So this trade deal is a launchpad to boost British leadership in everything from tech, to life sciences, to renewable energy and much more beyond that.
“And we’ve seized these opportunities in full this week, delivering real results for the British people, securing new investments into the UK worth £1.3 billion and creating 10,600 jobs. That’s remarkable.”
PM hails India trade deal
Sir Keir Starmer told the press conference that the trade pact with India is a “huge deal” and “the most ambitious trade deal India has ever done”.
He said: “And like our deals with the US and the EU, people said it would never happen. They said it couldn’t be done.
“But we did it because this Government’s approach – outward-facing, proud and determined to deliver for Britain.
“And as a result, we’re opening up new opportunities in India for British businesses. Opportunities that other countries simply do not have. It has given us a unique edge.”
(Image: Getty)
Starmer now up
Sir Keir Starmer has begun speaking at the press conference in Mumbai, India.
Press conference due to start shortly
Sir Keir Starmer’s press conference during his trade mission to India is due to kick off any minute now.
Starmer expresses ‘profound relief’ as first phase of Gaza peace plan agreed
Israel and Hamas’ agreement to the initial phases of a plan to end fighting in Gaza is a “moment of profound relief that will be felt around the world”, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
The US president said late on Wednesday that the warring parties have agreed to the “first phase” of his peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners.
Responding to the news, Sir Keir said: “I welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.
“This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years.”
The “tireless diplomatic efforts” of the US, as well as Egypt, Qatar and Turkey have been crucial in moving towards peace, the Prime Minister said.
Starmer press conference delayed
Sir Keir Starmer’s press conference was set to begin at 12.30pm but it is likley to be delayed as the PM is running behind schedule.
Modi’s speech really is about India’s IT sector rather than his love for Britain
You could be forgiven for thinking the Indian Prime Minister is much more excited about India’s fintech industry than the trade deal with the UK. The references to Britain have been scant.
Where does the UK fit into Modi’s vision for India?
Mr Modi expresses his gratitude to Sir Keir for taking time out for the “global fintech festival”. He says the partnership between the UK and India will improve the global financial landscape.
“Friends,” he tells the audience, “India is the mother of democracy.” Technology demonstrates the democratic spirit, he claims, with the country today “one of the most technologically inclusive societies”.
(It has certainly embraced Digital IDs – and Sir Keir yesterday met with one of the key people in rolling out this technology.)
There’s a lot of applause in the hall when he talks about India’s e-economy. Innovation has become a source of national pride. It’s exactly this type of entrepreneurial energy Sir Keir wants to tap into.
The Indian PM says India will be a “ray of hope” for the “Global South”. He relishes India’s growing role on the international stage; Sir Keir will want to do everything he can to ensure it remains an ally.
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Starmer urges Indian innovators to embrace British opportunities
He tells the story of how Cambridge’s GH Hardy and Srinivasa Ramanujan changed the world of mathematics with their work on prime numbers and calls for the UK and India to shape the future.
There is a line here for the home audience, too: “We are determined to make the United Kingdom one of the best places in the world to do business.”
He tells them: “Our two nations achieve incredible things when we innovate together.”
He talks of “new visa routes” to attract top global talent. This is more controversial territory for the PM; he has been careful to tell the press the trade deal is not linked to the granting of more visas.
Starmer: ‘We had to swap to a bigger plane’
The PM tells the audience so many British business leaders wanted to join him on the trip they ran into trouble and had to hire a bigger plane.
Those in the hall love hearing a British PM describe India’s extraordinary economic growth.
“This country holds the promise of the future in its hands,” he says.
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Starmer: ‘We are doing something remarkable together’
The PM tells the entrepreneurs at the Mumbai fintech conference that Britain and India are “doing something remarkabel together”.
He says the trade deal will add billions of pounds to UK GDP and hundreds of rupees to India’s.
“This was a huge win for both nations,” he says.
He adds: “Friends, we are clear this is just the start… We are here in India today to show we mean it.”
A dive into the cuisine on offer for Starmer-Modi lunch
Mulligatawny soup and a variety of vegetarian Indian dishes were on offer for Sir Keir Starmer as he ate lunch with Narendra Modi on Thursday.
Among the cuisine on offer for the two leaders was paneer kundan kaliyan, in which the soft, white cheese is served in a “gravy enriched with saffron and whole spices”, and aloo puneri: potatoes with mustard seeds, curry leaves, cashews and coconut.
As Sir Keir and his counterpart ate, they were also treated to songs by a group of Indian traditional musicians.
On the set list were covers of the Ed Sheeran song Sapphire, and Here Comes The Sun by the Beatles.
£350m UK-India defence deal struck
A £350million deal to deliver UK missiles for the Indian Army is the latest trade deal win Sir Keir Starmer can celebrate when he returns to the Commons.
The UK and India will also colloborate on electric-powered engines for naval ships in a partnership worth an “initial” £250million.
The defence deal will – it’s claimed – will support more than 700 jobs in Northern Ireland and see India supplied with air defence missiles and launchers.
It is hoped this is just the start and pave the way for a “complex weapons partnership between the UK and India”.
The PM’s visit has coincided with the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG) taking part in “complex air and naval exercises” in the Indian Ocean with the Indian military.
Defence Secretary John Healey said:
“The defence deals announced today show how our growing strategic partnership with India will boost UK business and jobs.
“I am hopeful that this will pave the way for a deeper relationship between our two defence industries, particularly in the development of electric engines for naval ships and in air defence.
“As we deepen our defence relationship with India, we will harness the UK defence industry as an engine for growth, securing vital jobs in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK.”
Modi and Starmer to speak to business leaders at vanguard of new India
India is ablaze with economic ambition. Hundreds of people in “fintech” from India and across the world have gathered in Mumbai for a conference in a gleaming convention centre.
Sir Keir will shortly address the hall. It’s a chance to make a pull-out-the-stops pitch to come and invest in the UK.
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Ed Sheeran and the Beatles on the live playlist as the Indian and UK PMs dine
What do two of the most powerful men in the world listen to when they enjoy a banquet? Ed Sheeran and the Beatles, it turns out.
They were serenaded with a live performance of Here Comes The Sun and Mr Sheeran’s Sapphire.
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Sir Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi’s lunch menu
One of the true perks of being Prime Minister (and there must be days when Sir Keir Starmer has to remind himself why he went for the top job) is the international cuisine. These delights were laid on for the meeting of the two prime ministers.
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India could be quizzed on Russia during press conference later
Sir Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi discussed the war in Ukraine when they met on Thursday morning, the Indian prime minister said.
Making a statement via a translator, Mr Modi said he and Sir Keir had discussed the “ongoing conflict in Ukraine” during their face-to-face meeting.
India continues to buy Russian fossil fuels, which helps to fund Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine, all while Western nations’ sanctions ramp up their programme.
“In the Middle East and Ukraine, India supports all efforts for restoring peace through dialogue and diplomacy,” Mr Modi said.
He added that India is “totally committed to increasing maritime security co-operation in the Indo-Pacific region”.
Earlier Mr Modi said: “Under Prime Minister Starmer’s leadership the relationship between the UK and India have significantly progressed.”
He added: “Your visit to India within just a few months of concluding the agreement and the fact that you have been accompanied by the biggest ever business delegation pay testament to the new energy in the UK-India relationship.”
Two UK unis get green lights for India campuses
Sir Keir also announced that two British universities, the University of Lancaster and the University of Surrey, have been given approval to open new campuses in India.
They will join other British institutions in opening Indian campuses, including the University of Southampton, which opened a campus in Delhi earlier this year.
The University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Bristol, University of Liverpool, Queen’s University Belfast, and the University of Coventry will open campuses from as early as next year.
British universities are expanding into the country because of its burgeoning demand for higher education: there are currently 40 million students at university in India, but 70 million places are needed by 2035.
International campuses are believed to have contributed £1 billion for the British economy last year.
The New Special Relationship
Sir Keir Starmer and India’s Narendra Modi have special reason to bear hug one another.
India is the world’s fourth biggest and is expected to become the third largest economy. In a remarkable role reversal, Britain needs India’s investment.
But Sir Keir is doing more than looking for job-generating cash. Just as he helped stop President Trump cooling on Nato, he needs to prevent India growing close to countries which threaten Britain’s interests.
The big carrot he offers is supporting India gaining a seat on the United Nations Security Council. This is a big prize for Modi, allowing the country to sit down alongside the US, Russia, China and the UK and France.
India’s relations with the US have frayed because of tariffs, and there is pressure for India to stop buying Russian oil. Vladimir Putin is due to visit India soon – and Modi phoned him to wish him happy birthday. All this comes amid regular concern about the strength of civil liberties for minority groups in India.
There would be dismay at the Foreign Office if India threw in its lot with China and Russia and became part of the autocrats’ club. But the rock star welcome put on for Sir Keir – there are something like 5,700 posters featuring up in Mumbai – shows India still believes its relationship with Britain is important.
The UK is in no doubt the relationship is vital for Britain’s future prosperity and security. The Government team in Mumbai is buzzing at how well it thinks things have gone this week. In the months ahead we’ll see if the PM has succeeded in unocking a new chapter in relations between two countries with the most intimate of shared histories.
Express reporter’s analysis from Mumbai
David Williamson, the Express’s chief commentator, gives his analysis from Mumbai.
Starmer and Modi discuss Ukraine
Sir Keir Starmer said he and Narendra Modi discussed the need for a “just and lasting peace in Ukraine”, as well as “breaking away from dependence on fossil fuels”.
Speaking at the state governor’s residence in Mumbai, the Prime Minister said: “The Prime Minister and I also discussed the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the need for stability and security in the Indo-Pacific, and the need to co-operate in critical areas like climate and energy, including breaking away from dependence on fossil fuels.”
Sir Keir congratulated India on its rising global strength, adding: “We sit together in the Commonwealth, the G20, and we want to see India taking its rightful place on the UN Security Council too.”
He had earlier described India’s economic growth as “remarkable”.
“It is significant that we’re meeting here in Mumbai, as India’s economic and financial capital, because India’s growth story is remarkable,” Sir Keir said.
Nearly 7,000 jobs coming to UK as India invests in British excellence
Nearly 7,000 jobs in the UK will be created as a result of more than £1billion of investment in Britain by Indian firms.
The UK’s giant trade deal with India was agreed three months ago and a raft of deals have been signed and sealed during an epic investment and sales-winning mission in Dubai.
Read the full story here
