Nine To Noon UK: Starmer's Mideast meeting, doctors' strikes and Kanye ban
Apr 8, 2026
Harry Taylor, a parliamentary reporter for PA Media, gives on-the-ground analysis of UK politics. He covers Keir Starmer's talks in Jeddah on regional security and fragile ceasefires. He discusses defence spending promises, rising fuel costs, waning support for junior doctor strikes, and the Home Office ban on Kanye that prompted a festival cancellation.
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Starmer's Diplomacy Aims To Keep Hormuz Open
- Keir Starmer's visit to Saudi Arabia focuses on the fragile ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz and coordinating regional diplomacy.
- Starmer met Mohammed bin Salman, British troops in Jeddah, and aims to keep the strait open amid renewed Iranian actions and Israeli-Hezbollah escalation.
Rhetoric On Defence Spending Lacks Flesh
- UK defence rhetoric promises higher spending but critics say detail is missing and implementation is slow.
- Starmer pledges 2.5% GDP on defence by 2027 and up to 3% next parliament, yet reports and legislation are delayed and Conservatives demand a defence investment report.
Diesel Spike Adds Pressure Before Local Elections
- Rising fuel costs, especially a one-third jump in diesel, are squeezing UK households and complicating government messaging ahead of local elections.
- Starmer's government has frozen some rail fares and lifted a two-child benefit cap, but external events like the Middle East conflict are driving global price shocks.