In times of stability, a gathering of five successful center-left political leaders from across the globe in London’s grand halls would signify an undeniable show of strength for liberal ideals. However, the prime ministers—including Canada’s Mark Carney, Australia’s Anthony Albanese, and Britain’s Keir Starmer—are meeting this Friday at a critical juncture, as their progressive political philosophy appears more vulnerable than ever.
Volatile electorates, stagnant economic conditions, and an increasingly divisive debate surrounding immigration have left center-left governments susceptible to the appeals of right-wing populists. In the United States, the Democratic Party struggles politically, still seeking a compelling narrative to challenge former President Trump.
During his address at the Global Progress Action Summit, Mr. Starmer is anticipated to deliver a powerful defense of progressive politics. This comes as his own Labour Party faces a formidable opponent in Nigel Farage, whose anti-immigrant Reform U.K. party currently commands a near double-digit lead over Labour in opinion polls.
Acknowledging growing public concerns about immigration, the Prime Minister is also expected to announce a mandatory digital ID initiative. Proponents of this plan believe it will serve as an effective deterrent against undocumented migrant workers.
(Image Caption: Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain, carrying binders and books, departs 10 Downing Street. He is expected to advocate passionately for progressive politics at a meeting of global center-left leaders.)
The summit, co-organized by the Washington-based Center for American Progress Action Fund and hosted by British think tanks the Institute for Public Policy Research (I.P.P.R.) and Labour Together, convenes as “citizens across the world are increasingly rejecting mainstream politics,” according to Harry Quilter-Pinner, executive director of the I.P.P.R.
Mr. Starmer, who recently hosted Mr. Trump, will also have the opportunity to hear perspectives from the former president’s American political rivals. Attendees include Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, and Pete Buttigieg, who previously served as Secretary of Transportation under the Biden administration.
For the participating Democrats, this summit may offer a crucial platform to begin refining a political strategy for a potential post-Trump era. Discussions are expected to cover various topics, including a progressive response to the tariffs previously imposed by Mr. Trump.
“The priority is to connect with voters where their concerns truly lie: the cost of living and inflation,” stated Fred Hochberg, former head of the Export-Import Bank of the United States under President Barack Obama. “That’s where progressives must direct their focus.”
(Image Caption: Nigel Farage delivers a speech under bright lights. His anti-immigrant party, Reform U.K., significantly outpolls Mr. Starmer’s Labour Party.)
For Mr. Starmer, who ascended to power just 14 months ago, the timing of this gathering coincides with a period of acute political vulnerability. Despite some international achievements, a series of missteps and recent resignations have cast doubt on his leadership, as Labour prepares for its annual conference this Sunday.
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester and a potential challenger to Mr. Starmer, recently broke ranks by presenting an alternative, more left-leaning vision for Labour in two interviews. While Mr. Burnham is unlikely to launch an immediate leadership bid—requiring a parliamentary seat first—the attention he garnered highlighted Mr. Starmer’s precarious position.
Furthermore, Labour Party members face a choice for a new deputy leader, following the resignation of Angela Rayner (also former deputy prime minister) due to a tax controversy. This contest has effectively become a referendum on Mr. Starmer’s leadership, with critics contemplating voting against his preferred candidate.
Some analysts suggest that the Labour Party was ill-prepared for governance after last year’s election, having been perhaps lulled into complacency by the turmoil of their Conservative predecessors, who saw five prime ministers in just seven years.
“The Labour Party mistakenly believed that simply governing competently would be a major advantage for the country, and that voters would be content,” explained John McTernan, a political strategist and former aide to Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair. Instead, he argued, stable government is merely the baseline expectation of the electorate.
With inflation persisting and few tangible improvements in public services like healthcare, voters remain frustrated by the slow pace of change. Others contend that Mr. Starmer’s technocratic approach and uninspiring communication style have left many voters uncertain about the government’s direction.
(Image Caption: Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain and President Trump conclude their joint news conference last week, walking together from an ornately decorated room.)
Claire Ainsley, Mr. Starmer’s former policy director, emphasized the formidable economic challenges facing the government, including a sluggish economy, underinvestment in public services, and high national debt. She stated that Mr. Starmer’s primary task is to articulate a clearer political direction.
Beyond that, center-left parties must more effectively highlight the negative consequences of populist policies, according to Neera Tanden, chief executive of the Center for American Progress Action Fund and a former Biden administration official.
Ms. Tanden remarked, “In our country, the divisive and nationalist rhetoric can be very appealing.” However, she cautioned, “The Trump administration’s policies are disproportionately harming working-class people—their health care is at risk, and their utility prices are rising. I believe this serves as a warning sign to the rest of the world.”