ALETHA ADU Political Correspondent

KEIR Starmer yesterday unveiled his plan to make Britain a country that values all its citizens.

Speaking in Birmingham, the Labour leader remembered the struggles his father faced as he reflected on how society could leave people feeling as if they do not matter.

He said: “I know this can happen. I saw it with my dad. My dad always felt undervalued because he worked in a factory. He felt people looked down on him. And he wasn’t wrong about that.”

The Labour leader said Brits deserve to have their dignity guaranteed.

He said everyone should be “respected for what they contribute”.

Mr Starmer said it was time to end the situation where the privileged few benefit from the efforts of the best in the country. He explained: “This country has always made a world-class offer to a small section of society and a sub-standard offer to those who do not take the academic course.”

He set out three key principles in a contract with the British public, insisting a Labour Government would deliver “security, prosperity and respect”. He said his contract would ensure people have a basic right to feel safe in their own communities.

They could also be reassured the NHS is there for them when they need it and that they would have the opportunity to thrive and prosper.

“I want to create a national community in which everyone feels secure and everyone feels they belong,” he said.

“The Britain I want is a country in which those who contribute get something back.” And he was scathing about the Conservatives, blasting: “After 12 years in power, while the country is trying to stay safe and make ends meet, the Tory party is gearing up for a leadership fight.

“Too busy squabbling over their leadership to provide any.

“Meanwhile the real problems that people face are just ignored.”

Mr Starmer has started 2022 with his party as high as six points ahead of the Conservatives in the polls.

But he acknowledged Labour cannot afford to be complacent.

He said: “I am well aware that just because the Tories lose the public’s trust it doesn’t mean Labour simply inherits it. Trust has to be earned.”

aletha.adu@mirror.co.uk