Keir Starmer says Saudi Arabia trip fulfils ‘number one mission’ to grow UK economy

Keir Starmer at a business roundtable meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA

Keir Starmer has defended his trip to Saudi Arabia, saying it was needed to fulfil his “number one mission” of growing the UK economy.

Speaking during a visit to Riyadh, where he met the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, the prime minister said his “sole intention” there was to help drive up living standards in the UK.