Keir Starmer has warned the British public that the country’s recovery from 14 years of Conservative rule will be a “long-term project” requiring difficult decisions. In his first Labour Party conference speech as prime minister on Tuesday, Starmer acknowledged the hard path ahead, stating that his “duty to the British people” involves confronting necessary decisions.
Facing scrutiny over his government’s early policies, including the controversial move to scrap payments that helped the elderly with winter heating bills, Starmer urged patience. He framed the challenge as a “shared struggle,” and stressed the importance of collective action in rebuilding the nation. “The politics of national renewal are collective. They involve a shared struggle,” he said.
Starmer’s speech came amid criticism that Labour’s economic approach could harm growth and investment. In response, he reiterated his focus on long-term solutions rather than opting for “easy answers” or offering “false hope.” Despite acknowledging the cost-of-living crisis, Starmer made clear that the process would involve difficult, long-term decisions. “This will be tough in the short term but in the long term it’s the right thing to do for our country,” he stated.
He also addressed his government’s legislative priorities, including the creation of a national wealth fund, the establishment of a publicly-owned green energy company, and the renationalization of the railways. Starmer pointed out that these were just the initial steps, saying, “We’re only just getting started.”
Despite the optimism, Starmer’s speech was overshadowed by controversies, including accusations of hypocrisy over donations received by senior Labour figures. Opposition figures from the Conservative Party accused him of laying the groundwork for potential tax increases while criticizing Labour’s policies.
Starmer concluded by asking for patience from the British public, stressing that rebuilding would be a slow but necessary process. He warned that his first budget, due on October 30, would be “painful,” but vital for the nation’s long-term recovery.
