Starmer Expresses Anger as UK Energy Bills Rise Due to Trump-Putin Actions

Darwin, 10 April : UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed frustration over the impact of Donald Trump’s actions in the Middle East, warning that they are affecting British households and businesses.

In an interview with ITV’s Robert Peston on Thursday, Starmer said he was “irritated” that the actions of global leaders like Vladimir Putin and Trump were causing fluctuations in energy bills across the UK.

“I am frustrated that the actions of Putin or Trump around the world directly impact families and businesses across our country through rising and falling energy costs,” he said.

Starmer, who has faced criticism and occasional mockery from Trump for not committing British forces to the conflict with Iran, also appeared to condemn Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s continued strikes on Lebanon, despite calls for a broader ceasefire.

“This should stop — that is my strong view,” Starmer said, adding that whether the attacks constitute a technical breach of a ceasefire is not the central issue.

The UK Prime Minister and Trump also held discussions on Thursday about the need for a “practical plan” to reopen shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz following the ceasefire in the region.

According to a Downing Street spokesperson, Starmer briefed Trump on his talks with Gulf leaders and military planners, emphasizing the importance of restoring freedom of navigation and coordinating international efforts.

Both leaders agreed that, with a ceasefire now in place and an understanding reached to reopen the strait, the focus should shift to implementing a workable solution to resume maritime traffic as quickly as possible.

Starmer acknowledged that the UK did not have full visibility over the ceasefire details but reiterated his opposition to attacks on Lebanon, stating clearly: “They are wrong.”

Writing in The Guardian, Starmer said he wants Britain to become less vulnerable to global instability, criticizing previous governments for relying on short-term crisis management.

“This time must be different,” he wrote. “The Iran war must serve as a turning point, as how we emerge from this crisis will define our country for a generation.”

Relations between the UK and its allies have shown signs of strain since the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Starmer and other European leaders have faced repeated criticism from Trump and members of his administration.

Trump recently shared a satirical video portraying Starmer as fearful of the US president and avoiding his calls, while also remarking that Starmer is “not Winston Churchill.”

French President Emmanuel Macron has also been targeted by Trump, who made controversial personal remarks and unverified claims about Macron’s private life.

Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, a vocal critic of the wars in Iran and Gaza, has also drawn Trump’s ire. The US president reportedly threatened to halt trade with Spain and suggested that US forces could use Spanish bases regardless of Madrid’s consent.