Daily Politics from the New Statesman David Lammy on the crisis abroad and within Labour
Mar 11, 2026
David Lammy, British Labour politician and current Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice, reflects on foreign policy and party challenges. He discusses the UK response to strikes on Iran and the legal and diplomatic limits of military action. He outlines court reform plans, racial disproportionality in justice, and why Labour is grappling with local election setbacks.
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Geopolitics Drives Energy And Legal Caution
- The Iran strikes raised legal and geopolitical uncertainties that directly affect UK energy prices and public anxiety.
- David Lammy stressed focus on stabilising finances, investing in renewables and protecting British troops rather than legally judging US/Israeli actions.
Use Fiscal Stability And Renewables To Shield Consumers
- Protect households from price shocks by stabilising public finances and continuing the energy price cap while boosting renewables.
- Lammy pointed to the spring budget, the energy cap until end of June, and long-term renewable investment as policy levers.
Childhood Prison Visit Shaped A Career In Justice
- Lammy described his first prison visit as a child visiting a relative on Broadwater Farm, which shaped his fear of incarceration and path to law.
- He recalled being under ten, terrified by the experience and later choosing law to fight injustice affecting his community.