by Keir Starmer has canceled his family’s summer holiday to Europe so he could stay in London to focus on the government’s response to the far-right riots across England, his spokesman announced on Monday.
Although some claimed that his presence at No. 10 vital after the violence, others said he should take a break to recharge his batteries.
We asked Guardian readers for their views on how much Starmer and other leaders should prioritize holidays.
‘It’s important for leaders to take holidays’
I think it’s important for political leaders to take days off, especially if they have kids (like Starmer does) who miss out on time with their dad because of his job. I think a leader who doesn’t take any downtime is probably not as focused or as sharp as he should be. We all need rest. With technology and communication as it is in the modern world, it should be possible to take a week with his family. If there is an emergency, he can come back immediately. It’s not like he’s flying to the Caribbean or somewhere. Lucy Coats, 63, writer, Northamptonshire
‘Starmer is not putting her health at risk’
I agree that it is as important for politicians to take a holiday as it is for anyone else. But if you started a new senior role and then found yourself dealing with a major crisis just a few weeks later, I imagine your colleagues would generally be relieved, not worried, that you’d cancel your holidays to make sure things would go well. . Breaks are necessary to prevent burnout, but barely six weeks into the job, Keir Starmer is putting his fitness at risk or even setting a bad example by refusing to take one. Katie Bird, 35, managing director, Edinburgh
‘He was in an impossible position’
Starmer was in an impossible position due to the unusual timing of the election. He needed to be seen to act quickly (and personally) and, in the circumstances of being the new PM, that was the most important factor. Taking a holiday is very important – everyone needs time out. If you can relax and switch off, you’re more likely to do a good job when you return to the fray. However, there are other factors that are also important. Chris, retiredteacher, Llandudno
‘Politics has become a 24 hour a day rat race’
Politics has become a 24-hour rat race, which threatens calm and rational decision-making. Of course, the prime minister and other members of the cabinet should be on call but they should rely on their immediate staff to determine what constitutes an emergency and/or critical decision. Peter Luff, 77, Henley-on-Thames, worked in the voluntary sector, now retired
Related: Canceling the family summer holiday, Keir Starmer has made his first serious mistake | Martin Kettle
‘Even one morning without thinking about work is healthy’
I am in favor of any leader going on holiday. They are human. Even one morning that is not thinking about healthy work. He will want, and should be allowed, to spend precious time with his wife and children. Unfortunately, the opposition could use this as a stick to beat him with. Note the outrage/fake when he suggested, as PM, that he would keep Friday nights off (albeit during an election campaign). I understand his warning but see it as a sad reflection of the current state of political discourse. Richard, 40, financial services, Aberdeenshire
‘Holidays may have to take second place’
Like all workers they need rest and regular time off to spend with their family. But as with Keir Starmer when the right-wing riots ended, as head of government it is vital that in times of emergency families and holidays may have to take second place for a very short time and addressing urgent issues. Keir showed excellent leadership when he canceled his family holiday to attend Cobra meetings etc. Owen Nicholson, 74, retired antiques dealer, Lincolnshire
‘He takes public office seriously’
I completely understand why Keir Starmer canceled his holiday. And it shows that he is a man of integrity and someone who takes public office seriously. But at some point he will have to rest and cut the job out of his life, even if it’s only for a week. Can you imagine Johnson doing it? No, quite the opposite. Moya Harris, 71, charity fundraiser, Devon
‘If he gets some time off, let us save the photos’
Keir Starmer has had a very busy few months with the election and taking power so hopefully he will have space to at least have a few days to wind down and reconnect with his family before parliament resumes. He strikes me as a thoughtful guy so I’m sure he’s aware of his situation. If it gets some time from us please let us save the photos that we were often overwhelmed … eg. Cameron shorts … Johnson looking ridiculous in Scotland … just too much shame for everyone. Teresa Curtis, retired university lecturer, Stockport
