Sir Keir Starmer's Glittery Statement
Sir Keir Starmer made a glitter-covered statement at the Labour conference as he led the party in a standing ovation for Israel. The opposition leader took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves after an Extinction Rebellion activist dumped sparkles over his head upon taking the stage. This move marks a significant departure from the days when Jeremy Corbyn was at the helm, as Starmer hailed Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas terrorists.
Warning of the Mammoth Task Ahead
While expressing support for Israel, Sir Keir Starmer also warned his party faithful of the immense challenges that lie ahead. He evoked former Labour prime ministers Clement Attlee, Harold Wilson, and Tony Blair, stating that the next general election in 2024 will be tougher than those in 1945, 1964, and 1997 combined. Starmer emphasized the need to "rebuild" Britain and lead a "decade of national renewal."
A Changed Labour Party
Sir Keir Starmer set his sights on ten years in office, aiming to lead a transformed Labour Party. He declared that it was time for the party to move away from gesture politics and protest, stating that "those days are done." He expressed a desire to see a "changed Labour Party" that focuses on effective governance and addresses the pressing issues facing the country.
Comments on the Middle East Conflict
The most striking moments of Sir Keir Starmer's speech were his comments on the unfolding horrors in the Middle East. He condemned the senseless murder of innocent people by Hamas terrorists and reiterated the party's support for a two-state solution. Starmer emphasized that Israel has the right to defend itself and highlighted the increasing volatility in the world.
Building New Towns
While only announcing one new policy during his speech, Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of building new towns. He argued that failure to do so would make home ownership a luxury for few rather than a privilege for many. Starmer stated that the Labour Party would prioritize the construction of affordable homes in areas with good jobs, infrastructure, and available land.
Tory Criticisms and Glitter-Bomber
Conservative MPs criticized Sir Keir Starmer's speech for lacking substance and failing to address immigration and small boat arrivals. Tory chairman Greg Hands accused Starmer of offering more of the same short-term political decision-making that has failed Britain. Additionally, a member of Extinction Rebellion's strategy team, Yaz Ashmawi, threw glitter over Starmer during his speech. Security tackled Ashmawi, but Starmer remained unfazed, stating that the incident exemplified the party's shift from protest to power.
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner expressed her readiness to confront the disrupter, comparing herself to former deputy prime minister John Prescott, who famously confronted an egg-throwing protester in 2001. Rayner emphasized that the Labour Party has changed and is focused on governing rather than protesting.
