“To build a Britain that belongs to you” - Starmer to set out the ambition of his government, saying tough decisions in the short term will open the door to national renewal

Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, will today (Tuesday 24 September) set out his new Labour government's plans to “build a new Britain”, saying that the tough decisions he is taking for the short term are the first step on the journey of “national renewal” to a country with higher living standards, one that “once again serves the interests of working people… a Britain that belongs to you.”

The Prime Minister will say that “country first, Party second” is the foundation of his project, “a pact with working people that we must fulfil.” He will also talk his desire to unite the whole country in the mission of creating “a Britain built to last, built with respect and built with pride.” He will say: 

“The politics of national renewal are collective. They involve a shared struggle. A project that says, to everyone, this will be tough in the short-term, but in the long-term - it's the right thing to do for our country. And we all benefit from that.”

The Prime Minister will tell the country that the short-term pain of tough decisions means the long-term gain - from higher living standards to lower waiting lists - for the country will come much quicker: 

“The truth is that if we take tough long-term decisions now, if we stick to the driving purpose behind everything we do: higher economic growth - so living standards rise in every community; our NHS facing the future - waiting lists at your hospital down; safer streets in your community; stronger borders; more opportunities for your children; clean British energy powering your home; making our country more secure... then that light at the end of this tunnel, that Britain that belongs to you, we get there much more quickly.”   

Starmer will also directly address those fed-up with politics as usual or anxious about the future, saying that this Labour government will deliver through its actions. He will say: 

“I know this country is exhausted by and with politics. I know that the cost-of-living crisis drew a veil over the joy and wonder in our lives and that people want respite and relief, and may even have voted Labour for that reason. Our project has not and never will change. I changed the Labour Party to restore it to the service of working people. And that is exactly what we will do for Britain. But I will not do it with easy answers. I will not do it with false hope.”  

He will tell the annual Party Conference in Liverpool that the changes made to the Party in Opposition are permanent and that the ‘work of service never stops.' A pact with working people that we must fulfil, to retain the privilege of serving their interests.

The Prime Minister will say that his Labour government has delivered more in 11 weeks than the previous administration did in 14 years – and that there is far more to come:

“A Government of Service must act in everything it does to show - to the working people of this country, that politics can be a force for good, that it can be on the side of truth and justice, and that it can secure a better life for your family through the steady but uncompromising work of service.

“Make no mistake, the work of change has begun. Planning – reformed. Doctors - back in theatre. New solar projects. New offshore wind projects. The onshore ban – lifted. Great British Energy – launched. One-word Ofsted judgements – ended. MPs second jobs – banned. A Border Security Command. A National Wealth Fund - getting Britain Building Again. The Renters Reform Bill - stopping no fault evictions. The Railway Services Bill – bringing our railways back into public ownership. 

“And we're only just getting started.”

He will warn that the £22 billion blackhole left by the Conservative government has made things harder but that it will not stop us delivering for working people:

“It will be hard. That's not rhetoric, it's reality. It's not just that financial black hole, the £22bn of unfunded spending commitments, concealed from our country by the Tories, it's not just the societal black hole – our decimated public services leaving communities held together by little more than good will - it's also the political black hole.

“Just because we all want low taxes and good public services, does not mean that the iron law of properly funding policies can be ignored. We have the seen the damage that does, and I will not let that happen again. I will not let Tory economic recklessness hold back the working people of this country.“

The Prime Minister will say reform of the UK economy and public services by a decisive government will be vital to rebuilding the country to serve working people once again: 

“We have to become serious and mission-led, and have to put respect and service deep in the bones of our institutions. That's not a debate about investment or reform, it's always been both. 

“But again, I have to warn you, working people do want more decisive government. They do want us to rebuild our public services and they do want that to lead to more control in their lives. But their pockets are not deep - not at all. So we have to be a great reforming government.“

Reflecting on his journey from working class boy to Prime Minister, Keir Starmer will say that Labour will broaden opportunities so that every person has the opportunities they deserve:

“As a country, we elevate the stories of the individuals who go to the Guildhall School of Music, the Prime Minister from a pebble-dashed semi, the working class few who do break through the class ceiling.

“It's important to tell those stories. But it's not everyone, is it? And we must remember everyone. 

“Through the power unleashed by renewal, we can build a country that gives equal voice to every person. A country that won't expect you to change who you are, just to get on. A country that doesn't just work for you and your family, but one that recognises you, sees you, and respects you as part of our story. A Britain that belongs to you.”