Sir Keir Starmer made headlines with his first Labour conference speech as prime minister, declaring that “change has begun” in the face of a challenging economic landscape and strained public services. Despite constraints on spending, Sir Keir’s speech was marked by key moments that stood out to attendees and observers alike. Let’s delve into the highlights from his speech.
Hillsborough Law: A Promise Fulfilled
Leading Sir Keir’s address was his commitment to introduce a Hillsborough law before April, a promise he had made earlier. This legislation, dubbed a “law for Liverpool” in remembrance of the 97 individuals who tragically lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster of 1989, aims to establish a legal “duty of candour” on public authorities and officials. This duty would require them to truthfully disclose information and actively cooperate with official investigations and inquiries.
Sir Keir emphasized the importance of this law not only in delivering justice for the Hillsborough families but also in addressing other significant tragedies such as the Post Office Horizon scandal, the infected blood scandal, the Windrush scandal, and the Grenfell Tower tragedy. With criminal sanctions included, the Hillsborough Law is set to be presented to parliament before the upcoming anniversary in April, underscoring Labour’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public service.
Call for Restraint in the Middle East
Addressing the escalating conflict in Lebanon where hundreds have lost their lives due to Israeli strikes, Sir Keir urged both sides to exercise restraint and prioritize de-escalation at the border. While advocating for a peaceful resolution, he inadvertently made a slip of the tongue by calling for the “return of the sausages” in Gaza, quickly correcting himself to refer to the “hostages” held by Hamas.
Reaffirming his support for a two-state solution with a recognized Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel, Sir Keir pledged to take this message to the UN General Assembly in New York. His call for restraint and peace in the region reflects Labour’s commitment to promoting stability and dialogue in conflict-ridden areas.
Homes for Heroes: A Pledge to Veterans
A poignant moment in Sir Keir’s speech came when he vowed to provide housing for all veterans in need as a gesture of gratitude for their service to the nation. Highlighting the injustice of homeless veterans across the country, the prime minister emphasized the need to ensure that those who risked their lives for the country have a safe place to call home.
Describing veterans as individuals who made sacrifices for the nation’s security, Sir Keir stressed the importance of acknowledging their contributions and addressing their housing needs. By pledging to house all veterans in need, Labour aims to honor their service and provide tangible support to those who have served their country.
Defending Controversial Decisions
Amidst criticism over the government’s decision to cut winter fuel payments for most pensioners, Sir Keir defended the move in his speech, asserting that tough decisions were necessary to stabilize the economy and address public finance challenges. Acknowledging the unpopularity of certain measures, he reassured the audience that the burden would be shared fairly to ensure a sustainable financial future.
Emphasizing the importance of stabilizing the economy to support essential services like the NHS and uphold pension guarantees, Sir Keir sought to allay concerns about the impact of policy changes on vulnerable populations. By reaffirming Labour’s commitment to ensuring that every pensioner would be better off, he underscored the party’s focus on economic sustainability and equitable distribution of resources.
In addition to these key moments, Sir Keir’s speech touched on various other critical issues such as migration policy, the importance of upholding the rule of law, and the rejection of violence and racism in political discourse. With a strong message to rioters and a commitment to progressive policies, the prime minister’s address at the Labour conference showcased his leadership style and vision for the future of the country.
