Sir Keir Starmer’s conference speech began with a mesmerizing entrance, as he was doused with glitter. However, it was the contents of his speech that truly captivated the delegates, resulting in a rapturous applause as he reached the climax. Sir Keir fearlessly challenged his party by praising the achievements of New Labour, pledging to reform public services, and leading a standing ovation for Israel. Surprisingly, no one dared to disagree. With the power struggles of recent years still haunting Labour, disrupting the speech of the man predicted to become Britain’s next prime minister was the last thing on the members’ minds.
Sir Keir’s speech was not only filled with ambition, but also with a sense of the possible. Despite still needing to win a general election, he spoke of “a decade of national renewal” that would require two victories. The Labour leader struck the right note by vowing to improve schools and hospitals through taxing the wealthy. His commitment to increasing workers’ pay was well received, as was Labour’s reaffirmation of their pro-green plans in response to Tory attacks and the Conservatives’ descent into net zero conspiracy theories. In a more subtle manner, Sir Keir offered a vision of a society characterized by order, where the NHS functions effectively, crime is prosecuted, and people earn enough to enjoy “the little things we love.”
Sir Keir emphasized the need for people from different backgrounds and regions to unite against those he referred to as “sewage pumpers,” rip-off energy firms, Tory party cronies, and politicians who mocked the cleaners during the Covid pandemic. His us-versus-them rhetoric, with the Conservative party perceived as the “dangerous” face of 13 years of failure, is likely to resonate with many.
However, Labour will encounter opposition both internally and externally. Trade unions recently won a conference vote in favor of nationalizing the energy industry, against the wishes of the party leadership. It remains to be seen whether this vote will be heeded. Last year, Sir Keir disregarded a vote supporting proportional representation, which led to a glitter-throwing protest. It would be wise for him to consider whether he wants to fight not only enemies but also friends. The ranks of the latter will undoubtedly grow, as his promise to build more new towns will reveal.
One aspect missing from Sir Keir’s speech was bold economic policies, which undermine the good intentions behind his proposals. While his mission for growth and a new devolution agenda is commendable, it is essential to acknowledge the disparity between the booming south-east and the struggling regions of the country. To bring about true convergence, investment in weaker economies is necessary. In this context, canceling HS2 would be a continuation of the past rather than a break from it.
By prioritizing reform over spending to reduce regional inequalities, Sir Keir runs the risk of being seen as a party with the right questions but without the right solutions. The idea that growth will fund public services is believable if that growth can be generated rapidly, but its feasibility is debatable. Nevertheless, there is still time for the Labour leader to unveil fresh policies. His conference speech presented a distinct and more optimistic vision for Britain’s future, as well as a different approach to politics, in stark contrast to the exhausted and divided government in power.
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