British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that he will step down as leader of the governing Labour Party and leave office within weeks, less than two years after leading Labour to a landslide election victory.

Starmer said he would remain as caretaker prime minister until Labour selects a new leader.

Click the link below to hear Keir Starmer’s resignation speech:

His departure follows mounting pressure within the party and comes days after Andy Burnham secured a key parliamentary victory, positioning himself as a potential challenger for the party leadership.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, an emotional Starmer said he had accepted the view of Labour lawmakers that the party needed new leadership ahead of the next general election.

Starmer’s popularity has fallen sharply since Labour’s decisive victory in July 2024, with critics pointing to sluggish economic growth, cost-of-living pressures and declining public support.

Burnham is now seen as a leading contender to succeed Starmer, although former health secretary Wes Streeting has also indicated he could enter a leadership contest.

Starmer leaves office after a turbulent period marked by domestic challenges but also international recognition for his support of Ukraine and efforts to navigate global crises.

Dubai is preparing to introduce official guidelines on public behaviour and celebrations as part of a broader initiative to strengthen its position as the world’s most civilised city.

The announcement was made during the fifth meeting of the Dubai Civility Committee, chaired by Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of The Executive Office and Chairman of the Committee.

Among the key initiatives unveiled were the Dubai Civility Guidebook, which will provide a shared framework for conduct in public spaces, and Guidelines for Celebrating Different Occasions, aimed at ensuring that celebrations reflect the values, responsibilities and cultural identity of Dubai’s diverse community.

Public behaviour

Officials said the initiative goes beyond appearances, positioning civility as a comprehensive ecosystem that enhances quality of life, public behaviour, urban aesthetics and the overall experience of residents and visitors.

The committee also reviewed plans for an integrated lighting strategy designed to strengthen Dubai’s visual identity and create greater harmony across the cityscape. In addition, members discussed a comprehensive assessment framework to help establish standards for what Dubai describes as the world’s most civilised urban environment.

Al Gergawi said the emirate has already built a distinctive global model of civility under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with people and quality of life remaining at the centre of development efforts.

The United Arab Emirates is expected to experience rainfall, fog and a drop in temperatures over the coming days, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

The weather authority said convective clouds are likely to develop from Tuesday afternoon, bringing showers to parts of the country, particularly eastern regions. Humid conditions are also expected to increase the likelihood of fog and mist in some coastal and inland areas.

Monday’s weather is forecast to remain largely fair, although clouds may form over eastern areas. Humidity levels are expected to rise overnight and into Tuesday morning, especially across western coastal and inland regions, creating favourable conditions for fog and mist.

On Tuesday, skies are expected to be fair to partly cloudy, with cloud build-up during the afternoon leading to scattered rainfall in some areas. Similar conditions are forecast for Wednesday, with rain-bearing clouds likely to develop once again over eastern parts of the country.

The NCM said temperatures are expected to fall on Thursday, particularly across western areas of the UAE. Fresh north-westerly winds may also lead to blowing dust in exposed locations.

Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are forecast to become moderate to rough at times, especially in western waters. Winds are expected to range between 10kph and 25kph, with gusts reaching up to 40kph in some areas.

Residents are advised to monitor official weather updates as conditions develop throughout the week.