UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will join Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Global Progress Action Summit in London on September 29, 2023. The event aims to showcase how progressive leaders can overcome right-wing populism, with Starmer highlighting Albanese as a prime example of this success. This comes as Starmer faces internal challenges within his Labour Party, which has struggled in recent polls dominated by the populist Reform Party led by Nigel Farage.
The summit will feature other prominent figures, including Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of England, and Kristrún Frostadóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland. Together, they will discuss strategies to combat the rise of right-wing populism and promote inclusive policies. The gathering seeks to address critical issues such as migration, economic growth, and national security, as highlighted by the Institute for Public Policy Research, a British think tank.
Starmer’s leadership has come under scrutiny, particularly following his inability to curb the flow of migrants across the English Channel. Labour has slipped in popularity, with recent surveys showing support dwindling in the face of Reform’s hardline anti-immigration stance. The summit addresses these pressing challenges while advocating for progressive values.
Albanese arrived in London after attending the United Nations General Assembly, where he participated in discussions on international cooperation. Following his arrival, he celebrated with staff and colleagues at a local pub, maintaining a light-hearted atmosphere. His upcoming engagements include a prominent role at the UK Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool and meetings with other left-wing leaders, including Pedro Sanchez, the Prime Minister of Spain.
The focus of the summit will be on uniting progressive parties worldwide to counter the influence of populism. Organizers express optimism about recent electoral victories, particularly Albania’s success in the 2022 elections, as a beacon of hope against populist rhetoric. Harry Quilter-Pinner, executive director of IPPR, emphasized the need for progressive governments to innovate and address long-term challenges.
The summit also provides a platform for key US Democratic figures, including Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Pete Buttigieg, to speak on progressive policies that could resonate in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. Their involvement underscores the transnational nature of progressive movements amid rising populism.
As the event unfolds, the collaboration between Starmer, Albanese, and Carney could signal a renewed commitment among progressive leaders to face the challenges of a transforming geopolitical landscape. The summit’s outcomes may help rekindle public trust in progressive governance and foster a more inclusive narrative for the future.
On September 30, 2023, Albanese is scheduled to meet with King Charles III at Balmoral before returning to Australia, marking a significant diplomatic engagement following his participation in the London summit.
