Labour needs 'a plan, not just a vision', says Browne

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.

- ATHENA STAVROU

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.

He was appearing on a panel alongside climate expert Friederike Otto and leading women’s rights lawyer Harriet Wistrich, as part of the festival’s daily “News Review” event, chaired by The Independent’s chief book critic Martin Chilton.

Responding to The Independent’s report on disquiet within Labour over Sir Keir’s premiership, Lord Browne, who advised five prime ministers including Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair, said the government should counteract “uncertainty” with a plan.