During his address, Sir Keir Starmer made a commitment to put an end to the “chaos and crisis” that had characterised the Conservative government, which had seen five Prime Ministers since 2016. He praised families and businesses for “finding a way through the chaos”.
He also pledged to “end the Tory disease of sticking plaster politics with a simple Labour philosophy that together we fix tomorrow’s challenges, today”.
“Today we turn the page, answer the question ‘Why Labour?’ with a plan for a Britain built to last. With higher growth, safer streets, cheap British power in your home, more opportunity in your community, the NHS off its knees. A Britain with its future back.”
Starmer’s promises
In summary, Sir Keir Starmer promised to enhance education and law enforcement services, provide “long-term solutions” to the cost of living crisis, aid the NHS in its recovery, and eliminate barriers for those seeking to purchase homes.
He emphasised that homeownership should be accessible to all, and unveiled plans for the construction of 1.5 million homes and the creation of new, large-scale housing settlements similar to those established after World War II under the Labour government.
Furthermore, Starmer announced his intention to abolish the controversial non-dom tax status, which he says allows the wealthiest people to avoid paying for essential services, and that money would be redirected toward the NHS.
He reiterated Labour’s proposal to impose a 20% VAT on private schools, with the revenue earmarked for other educational services.
Additionally, he said Labour would invest to get more police officers on the streets.
Protests
But before he could start his speech, Sir Keir Starmer was ambushed on the stage by a protester who showered him in glitter moments before starting his crucial party conference speech. He wrapped his arms around Starmer and shouted “we are in crisis” before he was removed by security.
The protestor was heard shouting: “We demand a people’s house, we are in crisis – politics needs an update. We are in crisis”.
A group known as People Demand Democracy has claimed responsibility for the protest.
The organisation is described as “friends” by Just Stop Oil. They are calling for a “a fair, proportional voting system for Westminster elections”, and a “legally-binding national House of Citizens” to be chosen by democratic lottery.
In a press release, the group said: “The people of the UK are more disillusioned by the state of our politics than at any time in living memory – look at the polls. After years of battling over Brexit, lockdown parties, abuse claims, crumbling public services and crashing living standards, people are sick to the back teeth of politicians. And we are furious there is no way to make our voices heard. This has got to change.
“We need a democratic alternative that gives the people of the UK a voice to deal with the major challenges of our time: rampant inequality, an escalating climate crisis, political corruption and on. But what do we have instead? A Labour Party offering very little in terms of real change.”
Reactions
Stephen Morgan MP says Starmer’s crucial party conference speech was “fantastic”.
“Labour’s plans for economic growth, safer streets, cheaper homegrown British power, better oppportunities, and a rejuvinated NHS will get Britain its future back. Fantastic speech from Keir Starmer,” he said on Twitter.
Ellie Reeves MP thinks the speech was “incredible,” saying “it’s only Labour that can give Britain its future back,” meanwhile the campaign group Priced Out praises Starmer’s commitment on housing, tweeting “30 minutes in, he has already mentioned housing more times than the Prime Minister did in his 1 hour speech.”
Final thought
Keir Starmer’s speech provided people with a sense of hope that the Labour Party understand ordinary people’s needs and priorities. In particular, the prominence of housing within his address will please the electorate in the run up to the general election. Time will tell as to whether he maintains these pledges as the Labour leadership has backtracked on other major issues previously.