Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has publicly thanked Keir Starmer after the British leader announced his resignation following mounting pressure within the Labour Party.
Speaking at an event at Madrid’s Teatro Real on Monday, Sanchez opened his remarks by offering a personal – albeit very brief – message of support to Starmer.
‘I would like to express my recognition and affection for Prime Minister Starmer,’ Sanchez said.
The Labour leader confirmed earlier on Monday that he would step down, setting July 9 as the date for the process to begin to choose his successor after just two years in Downing Street.
Sanchez’s comments came during a speech focused on the impact of European recovery funds, where he also reflected on the legacy of Brexit ahead of the 10th anniversary of the referendum that set the UK on course to leave the EU.
The Spanish premier used the occasion to defend the EU’s recovery fund programme as a crucial tool for helping member states navigate major crises.
Starmer’s departure marks the end of a turbulent period in British politics, with his government having faced months of internal disputes and growing criticism that ultimately weakened his position within the Labour Party.
Sanchez and Starmer had developed a close working relationship in recent years and were among a relatively small group of centre-left leaders currently governing major European countries.
