NPR News: 07-20-2026 7AM EDT

Libby Casey· Host0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Libby Casey. The United Kingdom has a new prime minister. Keir Starmer has tendered his resignation to King Charles, and Andy Burnham is taking office. NPR's Lauren Frayer reports from London.

Lauren Frayer0:15

Outgoing Prime Minister Starmer had dismal approval ratings and was ousted by his own Labour Party. In his final speech as prime minister, Starmer told a crowd outside 10 Downing Street that he's proud of his accomplishments in office over the past two years, but that his work is done.

Keir Starmer· Soundbite0:29

I go with good grace. I go with a smile.

Lauren Frayer0:33

Starmer wished his successor, fellow Labour politician Andy Burnham, well, saying he has his full support. Burnham follows Starmer to Buckingham Palace for a separate meeting with King Charles, who will invite him to form the next government. Starmer now reverts to what they call a backbencher in Parliament, and Burnham is expected to name his cabinet ministers later today. Lauren Frayer, NPR News, London.

Libby Casey· Host0:55

Iran attacked Kuwait in the Gulf, as well as Jordan, during the ninth consecutive round of fire exchange between the US and Iran. And NPR's Emily Fang reports a boat off the coast of Amman was al- of Oman was also hit.

Emily Feng1:09

Kuwait said it fended off Iranian drone attacks Sunday evening local time. Some residential neighborhoods have started to use portable electricity generators due to power outages caused by Iranian attacks. Over the weekend, a water desalination plant in Kuwait was also hit. Like many of the dry, hot countries in the Gulf, Kuwait depends heavily on such plants for drinking water.