What's happened
In his first conference speech as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer emphasized the need for government intervention in various sectors, including immigration and public services. He warned of tough choices ahead, including tax increases and new infrastructure projects, while attempting to reclaim the 'take back control' slogan from Brexit for Labour's agenda.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Andrew Marr from the New Statesman described Starmer's speech as 'dark' yet serious, highlighting the challenges facing the country. He noted that Starmer's approach was a departure from the optimism typically associated with Labour leaders. George Eaton, also from the New Statesman, emphasized Starmer's appropriation of the 'take back control' slogan, framing it as a significant ideological shift for Labour. Ben Riley-Smith from The Telegraph pointed out the potential backlash from Conservative Eurosceptics regarding Starmer's interventionist stance, suggesting it could be seen as a move towards a 'command-and-control economy'. BBC News noted the speech's focus on trade-offs, indicating a clear direction for Labour's policy agenda but also raising concerns about the feasibility of these proposals.
How we got here
Keir Starmer's speech at the Labour conference on September 24, 2024, marked a significant moment for the party, as it was the first delivered by a Labour Prime Minister in 15 years. This follows a period of Conservative governance characterized by economic challenges and public discontent.
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