External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended his congratulations to Yvette Cooper on her appointment as the United Kingdom’s new Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, signalling New Delhi’s intent to continue deepening the bilateral momentum under the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Taking to X, Jaishankar wrote that he looked forward to working closely with Cooper in advancing the robust and multi-sectoral engagement that both countries have been fostering in recent years, particularly in trade, defence, education, and technology collaboration.

Cooper, who succeeds David Lammy in the crucial foreign policy role under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government, acknowledged the weight of her new responsibility, describing it as a “huge honour” to serve as Britain’s chief diplomat at a time when global crises are intensifying.

She underlined pressing challenges such as Russian aggression in Europe and the escalating humanitarian disaster in Gaza, stressing that “UK diplomacy has never been more important” in defending national interests abroad and contributing to international stability.

Her appointment, however, came against the backdrop of growing political turbulence within the Labour leadership. On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner tendered her resignation following mounting scrutiny over unpaid property tax linked to a flat she purchased earlier this year in Hove.

Rayner, who also held the posts of Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and Housing Minister, acknowledged in her resignation letter that while she was subject to legitimate political and media scrutiny, the relentless coverage had become “unbearable” for her family.

She attributed the tax lapse to faulty legal advice rather than deliberate wrongdoing, but the issue became politically untenable after opponents and media outlets underscored her prior record of aggressively targeting Conservative ministers over similar ethics and financial controversies. Right-leaning tabloids branded her a “hypocrite,” intensifying the public backlash.

Although Prime Minister Starmer initially defended his deputy, the political pressure mounted amid Britain’s ongoing housing crisis and heightened debates over new taxation policies under his government. Rayner’s exit, therefore, represents not only a personal setback but also a significant political blow to Starmer, raising concerns over Labour’s ability to maintain cohesion after securing a landslide victory in July 2024.

The timing of Rayner’s resignation has further complicated the Labour government’s position, especially with the rise of Reform UK, an anti-immigration party that has been steadily gaining traction in opinion polls at the expense of Labour’s working-class base.

Analysts suggest that Reform UK’s growing appeal, coupled with discontent over Labour’s handling of economic pressures and the housing shortfall, has the potential to erode Starmer’s political capital less than two years into his premiership.

Against this backdrop, Cooper’s task as Foreign Secretary takes on added urgency, requiring her not only to manage Britain’s international affairs with credibility but also to project stability at a time when the government is under domestic political strain.

Her appointment has been interpreted as part of an effort by Starmer to bolster his cabinet with experienced figures capable of navigating international crises while Labour works to regain public confidence at home.

For India and the UK, Cooper’s entry into office arrives at a crucial juncture as both nations push toward the long-anticipated signing of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement and seek to consolidate their cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, green energy, and digital innovation.

This dual narrative—Jaishankar’s outreach to Cooper and the turbulence within Starmer’s team—highlights the interconnected weight of foreign and domestic politics in shaping the UK’s next phase of governance.

Based On ANI Report