Sir Keir Starmer delivered his first party conference speech as Prime Minister to a packed hall of delegates in Liverpool. In a wide-ranging address lasting over an hour, he outlined both new and existing policies, promising a "light at the end of the tunnel" for Britain.
Starmer urged party members to take pride in Labour's victory. "Take pride that Labour won in every single region of England. Take pride that Labour won in Wales. Take pride that Labour won in Scotland. But never forget that this opportunity is only here because we changed the party," he said.
He also referenced the Hillsborough disaster, highlighting a new law of duty of candour. He described it as “a law for Liverpool, a law for the 97, a law that people should never have needed to fight so hard for, but will be delivered by this Labour government.” Starmer further emphasised that the law would also serve victims of other injustices, such as the sub-postmasters in the Horizon scandal, the victims of infected blood, Windrush, and Grenfell Tower.
Winter fuel payment backlash
However, the Prime Minister faced significant pressure during the conference due to his decision to limit winter fuel payments to the elderly. This controversy overshadowed his anticipated celebration of Labour’s return to power after 14 years of Conservative rule. Addressing concerns, Starmer defended the move, stating that pensioners would ultimately be better off under Labour, despite the cuts to winter fuel payments. He acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, saying, “If this path were popular or easy, we would have walked it already.”
Rachel Reeves also vowed that Britain’s "best days lie ahead" as she adopted a more optimistic tone in her first speech to the Labour Party conference as chancellor. Previously criticized for "talking down" the economy by highlighting the need for "tough choices" in response to what she describes as a worse-than-expected situation inherited from the Conservatives, Reeves aimed to shift the narrative.
"My ambition for Britain knows no limits because I can see the prize on offer if we make the right choices now," she declared. However, Reeves faces mounting opposition from trade unions and many Labour members over her decision to cut winter fuel payments for 10 million pensioners, with a heated conference debate expected later this week.
The head of one of Britain's largest trade unions called the decision to limit fuel payments "cruel," voicing concerns shared by many. The proposed cuts have caused widespread worry, particularly among poor, sick, and disabled pensioners, who may struggle to maintain a warm and safe living environment during the winter months. The increased financial pressure is expected to exacerbate feelings of isolation and anxiety, forcing the elderly to cut back on essentials like food, clothing, and heating. Many elderly community members, as well as charities and unions, shared the severity of the situation with Asian Voice last week.
“To manage expenses, we are forced to find ways to cut costs, such as reducing spending on food, clothing, or heating,” one elderly couple told the newsweekly. A chair of an elder group added, “It’s already increasing older people’s stress and anxiety. Since it was announced, it’s been a hot topic at the centre. I’ve spoken to many older people, and they’re worried about it.”
John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, criticised Starmer's speech, saying, “Taxpayers will receive little joy from a speech that sounded more like a protracted shopping list for ever more public spending than a platform for genuine change and reform. Starmer claims that he is building a Britain that belongs to the people, but in reality, he is tapping up taxpayers to pay for the priorities of backroom bureaucrats, relentless regulators, and prying public health lobbyists. If the Prime Minister wants to deliver meaningful change for the British people, he should remember that for many millions, it’s government that is the problem, not the solution.”
On the other hand, Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive of the CBI, offered a more optimistic view. She stated, "The Prime Minister is right to say that government is facing challenges too complex to resolve alone. The 'shared struggle' to put the country back on the path to prosperity serves as a rallying call for a partnership between business and government that harnesses the innovation, investment, and optimism of industry to deliver lasting change."
Newton-Smith praised Starmer’s commitment to sustainable growth, viewing it as the government’s "north star." She highlighted the importance of the Prime Minister’s Industrial Strategy and the introduction of the Growth and Skills Levy in driving global investment and tackling productivity issues.
While Starmer and his team hoped this year’s Labour conference would focus on celebrating their return to power and addressing Britain’s pressing issues, the controversy over fuel payments and donations cast a shadow over the event, forcing them to defend their decisions rather than fully bask in the conference's achievements.
Labour reverses stance on free offerings
Sir Keir Starmer and his senior team will no longer accept donations for clothing after the prime minister bowed to pressure from top colleagues.
Allies of Starmer acknowledged there was a "perception" issue following his acceptance of clothing valued at £16,000 and glasses worth £2,485, both provided by Lord Alli, a prominent Labour donor. Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, also accepted £7,500 in donations for clothing, which were registered as “support” for her office. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner received donations worth £3,550 from Alli, which were listed as a “donation in kind for parliamentary duties.”
Previously, Starmer had defended the £100,000 he received in donations for clothing, gifts, and hospitality, insisting all contributions were properly declared. Several cabinet ministers had publicly backed him, arguing that it was essential for the prime minister to present his best image on behalf of the British people. Lord Alli also reportedly purchased more than £5,000 worth of clothing and arranged for a personal shopper for Starmer's wife, Victoria.
