On November 19, 2025, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer took a deeply personal approach to mark International Men’s Day, publishing a heartfelt open letter and video addressed to his 17-year-old son. In a move that resonated far beyond the walls of Downing Street, Starmer used the occasion to reflect on the unique challenges facing young men today, while also unveiling England’s first men’s health strategy—a sweeping government effort to tackle issues such as suicide, alcohol abuse, and problem gambling.
In his letter, which was posted both in written form and as a video on Instagram, Starmer did not shy away from the emotional realities of modern masculinity. "I do know it’s not easy growing up in this day and age," he told his son, whose name has not been publicly disclosed. Starmer acknowledged the "pressures on young men that are difficult to talk about, and questions that frankly, are difficult to answer; questions about mental health, masculinity, social media," as quoted by Reuters and AFP.
The prime minister’s message was more than just a father’s advice. It was an invitation for men across the country to talk openly about their mental health and to challenge the stigma that often keeps these conversations in the shadows. Starmer’s words drew on his own upbringing, referencing a strained relationship with his father. "We never really spoke, and never really got to know each other," Starmer admitted, according to the BBC. He explained that this experience shaped his determination to have a different kind of bond with his own children—one built on communication and mutual support.
Starmer’s letter was partly inspired by a project launched by Stephen Graham, the British star of the Netflix drama Adolescence. Graham’s initiative encouraged fathers to write letters to their sons about what it means to be a man in today’s world. Starmer had previously watched the series with his son, and the experience helped shape his perspective on the issues young men face, particularly those amplified by social media and online influences.
"It feels like only yesterday that we brought you home, so nervous but so excited for the journey ahead," Starmer reminisced in his video. "Today, almost unbelievably, you’re already 17. You’re taller than I am, and you’ve grown into a confident, kind, wonderful young man, and I’m so proud of you." He went on to stress the importance of self-belief: "When I was younger, I often had a voice in the back of my head telling me I wasn’t good enough for certain things. If I have one message for you and for every other child growing up, it is this – don’t listen to that voice. Every young person has something to offer and I want to make sure every child realises their dreams, so your generation has the future that it deserves."
The timing of Starmer’s letter was no coincidence. It coincided with the launch of England’s first men’s health strategy, a landmark government policy aimed at addressing health challenges that disproportionately affect men. The Department of Health revealed that men are less likely to seek help and are more likely than women to smoke, drink, gamble, and use drugs. The statistics are stark: suicide is one of the biggest killers of men under 50, and three-quarters of all suicides are men, according to the BBC.
To combat these grim numbers, the government has pledged £3.6 million over the next three years to fund suicide prevention projects targeting middle-aged men in communities where the risk is highest. In a bid to reach men where they are, a three-year partnership with the Premier League will see mental health messaging woven into football matches and fan spaces—a move that leverages the sport’s massive cultural influence. The government will also introduce a new levy on betting companies and pilot workplace health checks in male-dominated industries, hoping to reduce deaths linked to cocaine and alcohol.
Starmer used his weekly Prime Minister’s Questions session on November 19 to further highlight the importance of International Men’s Day. He praised Labour MP Luke Charters for publicly sharing his own mental health struggles after nearly losing his wife during childbirth, saying that such openness would "inspire others to talk openly about their experiences." The BBC reported that Starmer’s remarks were part of a broader push to encourage men to seek help and support one another.
The prime minister also acknowledged the personal sacrifices his family has made since he took office. "The reason I do the job I do, and I know that means huge sacrifices for you, for your sister and your mum, is because I want the world for tomorrow’s generation to be better," he wrote to his son. He described spending time with his son as "one of the highlights of my week," underscoring the importance of maintaining strong family ties amidst the demands of political life.
The new men’s health strategy is not just about policy—it’s about shifting the cultural conversation. By embedding mental health messaging within football, introducing health checks in the workplace, and targeting high-risk communities with prevention programs, the government hopes to break down the barriers that keep men from seeking help. The Department of Health said that men’s reluctance to access support is a key factor behind higher rates of suicide, substance abuse, and problem gambling.
While Starmer’s open letter and the new health strategy have been widely welcomed, they also arrive at a politically charged moment. The prime minister faces mounting pressure over the upcoming Budget, with the opposition questioning the government’s fiscal plans. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has criticized the Budget as "unravelling before it has even been delivered," after the chancellor appeared to back away from raising income tax rates. Amid these challenges, Starmer has had to deny reports of internal party tensions and leadership ambitions among his cabinet colleagues.
Nevertheless, the focus on men’s mental health and well-being has struck a chord. The combination of personal testimony and public policy marks a significant shift in how the UK addresses issues that have long been considered taboo. By sharing his own vulnerabilities and calling for open dialogue, Starmer has set a tone that could help change the national conversation about what it means to be a man in the 21st century.
As England embarks on this new strategy, the hope is that more men will feel empowered to seek help, talk openly about their struggles, and support one another—laying the groundwork for healthier, more connected communities for generations to come.
