Speech highlights
SIR Keir Starmer sought to define the future of Labour under his leadership during his first in-person conference speech as leader, which lasted nearly 90 minutes.
HE fleshed out a number of new policies. He said a Labour administration would make it a “national mission” over ten years to retrofit homes, and the party said the policy would require an annual investment of £6 billion. He said “spending on mental health will never be allowed to fall” under Labour, as he pledged to deliver mental health treatment to all who need it within a month. The promise would see treatment – rather than just assessment – start sooner and would place a focus on the wellbeing of young people, with hubs and support in schools. He also focused on education, announcing “Labour will launch the most ambitious school improvement plan in a generation” and a focus on practical and digital skills for young people.
SIR Keir was hit by chants of “shame” from hecklers and calls to support a £15 minimum wage, as some held up sheets of red paper to give the appearance of giving him the red card. He was well prepared to hit back at his hecklers, asking them whether they were “shouting slogans, or changing lives”. He said: “At this time on a Wednesday, it’s normally the Tories that are heckling me. It doesn’t bother me then, and it doesn’t bother me now.”
THE heckles were drowned out by far louder applause. Some of the most rapturous applause came when he highlighted gains made under Tony Blair’s government. Supporters gave a standing ovation when Sir Keir offered the Tories “a lesson in levelling up” by noting his own party’s record on introducing a minimum wage, boosting education and the NHS.
SIR Keir blasted Jeremy Corbyn’s record as Labour leader, without naming his predecessor. “To the voters who thought we were unpatriotic or irresponsible or that we looked down on them, I say these simple but powerful words,” Sir Keir said. “We will never under my leadership go into an election with a manifesto that is not a serious plan for government.”
ON Brexit, he said: “The economic inheritance from the Tories will be appalling: A botched Brexit followed by Covid has left a big hole. The Government is learning that it is not enough to Get Brexit Done. You need a plan to Make Brexit Work.”
ON patriotism, he cited the Government’s battle with England footballer Marcus Rashford as he campaigned on free school meals, and then took the fight to Priti Patel. “I couldn’t believe it when Rashford and the England team took the knee to highlight and condemn the racism they have had to endure, the Home Secretary encouraged people to boo,” Sir Keir said. “Well, here in this conference hall, we are patriots. When we discuss the fine young men and women who represent all our nations, we don’t boo. We get to our feet and we cheer.” He praised the military and declared Labour to be “the party of NATO”.