Is Starmer really "Never Here Keir"?

As Keir Starmer flies to Germany for the Munich Security Conference, Westminster Insider Host Sascha O'Sullivan finds out if the Prime Minister's time abroad has damaged him here at home – and if it has, if it's been worth it. Sascha spoke to half a dozen current or former Labour advisors or government insiders about Starmer's approach to foreign policy. With the help of POLITICO Foreign and Defense Correspondent Esther Webber, she pieces together Starmer's legacy on the world stage. Olivia O'Sullivan, director of UK in a Changing World at Chatham House, says the Prime Minister has managed to secure "the least worst option" with Donald Trump. And Peter Ricketts, former head of the U.K.'s diplomatic service, said the shift towards “a hyper-personalized world” demands Starmer’s presence. “Unless you are in the room with Donald Trump, you're not influencing him," Ricketts added. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Is Starmer really "Never Here Keir"? is an episode from POLITICO's Westminster Insider by POLITICO Europe.

This episode is 39:51 long.

This episode was published on Feb 13, 2026.

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