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Anthony Albanese has stepped into 10 Downing Street, the UK prime minister’s official residence, carrying a six pack of Australian beer after a day of diplomatic talks spanning the rise of far-right populism and global steps towards peace in the Middle East.
The dinner was a group event, with Sir Keir Starmer hosting Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon, along with Canadian leader Mark Carney and his wife Diana.
Earlier in the day, the three leaders made a joint appearance at a left-wing political conference where they shared the stage, alongside Iceland’s Prime Minister, Kristrún Frostadóttir.
Starmer is under intense political pressure in the UK, flagging in the polls and facing the surging popularity of the far-right Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage.
The recent election victories by centre-left parties in Australia and Canada were held up as examples to emulate during the event.
Starmer announced a digital identification card policy at the conference, under which all adults would be required to hold a digital ID should they wish to work in the UK.
It’s a bid to address voter concerns about migration, one of Reform UK’s major campaign platforms.
“I know working people are worried about the level of illegal migration into this country. A secure border and controlled migration are reasonable demands, and this government is listening and delivering,” Starmer said.
The UK leader also called for progressive politicians to counter “lies” told by populists.
“Now is the time for social democrats to confront directly some of the challenges and some of the lies, frankly, that have taken root in our societies.”
Albanese was asked at his press conference whether Australia’s immigration and economic policies were keeping the far right at bay.
“What I’d say is that, in Australia, we have a strong position, and that’s been important,” Albanese said.
“The last election campaign saw one side of politics speak about grievance without putting up any solutions over that period.”
Albanese praises Tony Blair amid speculation over Gaza role
Australia, the UK and Canada are also among a group of Western countries that have recognised Palestinian Statehood during the United Nations leader’s week in New York.
Former UK Labour leader Tony Blair has been floated as a potential leader of a transitional authority to run Gaza for a number of years.
It’s a potential appointment backed by the White House, though yet to be confirmed. But it’s drawn some criticism from Arab states because of Blair’s history leading the UK into the 2003 Iraq War.
The prime minister met with Tony Blair in London this morning, where the conflict in the Middle East was raised.
“There was an opportunity to be briefed by Mr Blair on some of what he has undertaken and the discussions that he’s had. I don’t want to pre-empt those processes, but it was an important opportunity to be informed,” Albanese said.
“Tony Blair is someone who’s always played a constructive role. He’s someone who does look for solutions. He’s someone who has been involved in the Middle East issues for some period of time, and I’m sure that he will always play a constructive role, because that’s the nature of Tony Blair.”
“There is no indication that I’ve seen of anything other than support for AUKUS going forward,” the prime minister said.
“It is in the interests of all three nations.”
