In his first interview since announcing his resignation on June 22, Starmer said Britain’s next prime minister would inherit an international environment marked by persistent conflict and geopolitical uncertainty, making foreign policy inseparable from domestic governance.

Speaking to the BBC in remarks released on Saturday, Starmer said whoever succeeds him as leader of the governing Labour Party would confront the same volatile international landscape that shaped his own premiership.

“We’re in a more dangerous and volatile world than we’ve been in for probably most of my lifetime,” Starmer said, adding that the assessment reflected the realities facing governments rather than political rhetoric.

Former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is currently the only declared candidate to replace Starmer as Labour leader and could assume office by the middle of July. Supporters of Burnham have argued that his leadership should place greater emphasis on domestic concerns, particularly the rising cost of living and the decentralization of government.

Burnham has identified constitutional reform and greater devolution of power as key priorities. However, during a question-and-answer session on social media on Friday, he also addressed foreign policy and pledged to maintain Britain’s support for Ukraine, saying he would provide the same level of backing as Starmer.

Asked whether his successor could devote less attention to international affairs, Starmer rejected the suggestion, arguing that domestic prosperity and foreign policy are closely connected.

He said decisions affecting household finances, including energy costs, are directly influenced by international developments, pointing specifically to the war in Ukraine and tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz as examples of global issues with domestic economic consequences.

“There’s often this discussion — what’s the right balance between dealing with international affairs and dealing with domestic affairs? They’re one and the same thing,” Starmer said.

The outgoing prime minister also dismissed suggestions of personal differences with Burnham, saying he had “never had any personal animosity” toward the former Manchester mayor and expressing hope that the next Labour government would succeed.

Starmer pledged to support the incoming administration while avoiding public interventions after leaving office. He said he intended to remain a member of Parliament until at least the next general election but would refrain from offering unsolicited advice to his successor.

“I’ll be keeping my mouth shut, rather than giving constant advice to my successor about what they should be doing,” he said.

Starmer led Labour to victory in the 2024 general election, ending years of Conservative rule. Although he had previously insisted he would resist any challenge to his leadership, he announced his resignation last month following mounting pressure from within his party.

Reflecting on that decision, Starmer said it ultimately became a deeply personal choice made after discussions with his family. He said he reached his final decision during a stay at Chequers, the British prime minister’s official country residence, where he spent time with his wife and children before announcing his departure.

His resignation sets the stage for a leadership transition at a time when Britain continues to face economic pressures at home while navigating major international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and heightened instability in the Middle East.