Politics
Governing on low power
LONDON — U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is feeling “sleep-deprived” after watching England beat World Cup co-hosts Mexico in the small hours this morning.
Starmer watched the game — which kicked off at 2 a.m. London time — in his Downing Street flat with his teenage son.
“He’s a touch sleep-deprived this morning but incredibly proud of the team and incredibly proud to be English after that performance,” a spokesperson for the PM told reporters. “This morning’s victory in the heat of the Azteca stadium and at altitude against the host nation was up there for him as one of England’s best ever performances.”
Keir Starmer wants to bring football home before he leaves No. 10 Downing Street.
The British prime minister intervened to help stop FIFA from rescheduling England’s football match in Mexico City by several hours, keeping the kickoff set for 1 a.m. Monday morning U.K. time. FIFA had considered starting the England-Mexico game at 7 p.m. Sunday U.K. time, friendlier for British viewers but tougher on English players acclimatizing to Mexico City’s grueling high elevation.
The departing PM — who is due to leave office the day after the World Cup final — was contacted by the English Football Association to alert him to the problem before he made a diplomatic intervention, UK government officials confirmed. The Sun newspaper first reported Starmer’s involvement.
The Estadio Azteca stadium is 2,240 meters above sea level, with the location and altitude not as familiar to British players.
LONDON — As England continues its World Cup campaign, back across the Atlantic a political row about soccer’s drinking culture is in full swing.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer broke with his imminent successor Andy Burnham over whether soccer fans should be allowed to consume alcohol while watching games.
Starmer is due to hand over power to Burnham in two weeks and has promised a smooth transition and to support his successor without interfering from the sidelines.
But after Burnham said over the weekend that there was “something wrong” with a ban on fans drinking in view of the pitch — which he pointed out is allowed at rugby league games — and that he might overturn it, Starmer pushed back.
“Police chiefs have warned against the relaxing rules of drinking in the stands, and we think that’s sensible to follow,” a spokesperson for Starmer said this morning when asked whether he agrees with Burnham.
“Fans who go to matches in football league can drink before the game, in the concourse during half time and can stay late after the match or head to the pub, so there’s plenty of chances to get a drink. But it’s sensible to follow this advice.”
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