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The Independent UK

Athena Stavrou

Starmer government ‘trying to fix wings of a plane while already in flight’, veteran political adviser says

Sir Keir Starmer British Petroleum Friederike Otto Harriet Wistrich Rayner

John Browne, the cross-bench peer and former boss of BP, was responding to reports of a plot within Labour to oust the PM - (Adam Tatton-Reid/Hay Festival)

Veteran political adviser John Browne has described Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership as “trying to fix the wings of an airplane while you’re already in flight,” after The Independent revealed plans of a plot within Labour to oust the PM.

The cross-bench peer and former BP boss was speaking at the 2025 Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, which is partnered with The Independent for the second year running.

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Hurricane Trudy brings heavy rain and strong winds to Mexico’s Pacific coast

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The Independent UK

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Watch: French protesters loot Hermès, Apple and other luxury stores across cities

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The Times of India

One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites

Already a member? Sign in here

Zelenskyy questions Starlink speed restrictions in Ukraine, disputes Musk’s explanation

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