Keir Starmer to offer main speech warning UK politics is in harmful period
Keir Starmer will say that Britain has been undermined by political neglect and warn that the country is gripped in a contest between ‘renewal and grievance’
Keir Starmer will call on the public to stand up and defend values of tolerance and decency(Image: PA)
Keir Starmer will warn British politics is in a dangerous era and call on the public to stand up and defend its values.
In a landmark speech, he will say tolerance and decency are under threat as he hits out at rivals who peddle grievance. Drawing a line between Labour and Reform UK and the Tories, the PM will say: “I believe in our way of doing things.
“That in a world that increasingly preys on weakness, I believe Britain is stronger as a tolerant, decent and respectful country.” Mr Starmer will accuse the Conservatives of abandoning communities – setting the scene for division in a veiled reference to Nigel Farage’s party.
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Nations that abandon high streets, he will say, will struggle to meet the test of our times. Former Tory Home Secretary Sir Sajid Javid said he hopes the speech signals the start of a whole government approach to tackling division.
Mr Starmer will say: “Britain has been undermined by political neglect, the scorched earth of Tory austerity. In towns across Britain, the same story, high streets, youth clubs – the places that shape a life – that bring different people together, that create the bonds of memory and pride – they were just abandoned.
“Because politics in this dangerous era is no longer about left and right, but a contest between renewal and grievance. Between those who accept the idea that society is a zero-sum competition and those who believe we can unite for the higher purpose.”
And he will state: “A strong society is imperative not just on its own terms, but also for national security. To put it more bluntly – any country that cannot keep its high streets alive, it’s bills down and it’s people feeling respected, will struggle to meet the test of our times.
“So we must strengthen our society, because it is vital for the future of this country.” He will announce £800million to support 40 new communities which will receive up to £20million.
This builds on the £5billion Pride in Place Programme, which was set up to rejuvenate 330 of Britain’s most deprived communities. Mr Starmer will state: “People want investment, and this Government will back them.
“We are rebuilding our public services, investing in community infrastructure, opening new nurseries, breakfast clubs, health centres right across the country. But investment is a means, not an end. It’s about power, as well as pounds and pence.”
Sir Sajid, who co-chairs the new Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, said: “We hope that the PM’s words today are just the start of a whole-of-government approach to get to grips with the twin crises of disconnection and division.
“To be effective we also have to engage the public in what comes next. Community and cohesion aren’t things that government can do to the public; they are things we build together.”
