UK PM Starmer battles for political survival in pivotal speech as gilt yields rise

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is delivering a pivotal speech to address mounting pressure on his leadership following heavy local election losses for the Labour Party. He is expected to pledge to tackle major challenges including economic growth, national defense, UK-Europe relations, and energy needs, arguing that incremental change is insufficient and calling for urgent action. The speech comes as several Labour lawmakers have called for him to step down, with speculation about a potential leadership challenge contributing to rising government borrowing costs.