Starmer’s Conference Speech: Promises, Protestors, and Sausages?

Addressing Crime with New Measures

In addition to Keir Starmer’s speech, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also laid out her vision for tackling crime in the UK, with a particular emphasis on knife crime. She announced the government’s ambitious goal of halving knife crime offences within the next decade, highlighting the need for long-term strategies to ensure public safety.

Cooper outlined plans to empower police forces to address anti-social behavior, including issues related to off-road bikes and shoplifting. She expressed concern about the ease with which children can order lethal weapons online, stating that this issue must be urgently addressed. To combat this, Cooper proposed new laws aimed at regulating dangerous online sales and disrupting the networks that recruit young people into violence. Additionally, she announced the establishment of youth hubs designed to provide positive alternatives for young people and promote hope for the future.

Coincidentally, Cooper's speech coincided with the implementation of a ban on zombie-style knives and machetes, following a four-week amnesty that allowed owners to surrender their weapons without risk of prosecution. This series of measures underscores the government’s commitment to creating a safer environment for all.

As these new initiatives unfold, they will play a vital role in shaping the future of public safety and youth engagement in the UK. This is especially important given that England and Wales have already experienced a 4% increase in knife crime offences this year and a staggering 78% rise over the past decade.

Starmer’s Conference Speech: Promises, Protestors, and Sausages?

Keir Starmer took to the stage at the Labour Party conference on Tuesday for his debut speech as Prime Minister. As expected, it was packed with promises, debate, a few hecklers, and… calls to free all sausages? Yes, really. But let’s break down what actually happened in Liverpool.

Starmer kicked things off by acknowledging that while he won’t “get everything right,” he’s committed to keeping the government focused on what matters—service to the British people, not the “fantasy of populism.” In other words, he’s pledging to make decisions with the national interest in mind. It’s a bold stance, especially for those of us who’ve learned to take political promises with a pinch of salt.

Starmer also made a case for why tough decisions today could lead to a better future. He vowed to steer Labour as the party of working people, taking a dig at past governments by stating, “I will not do it with false hope, that’s how we got here in the first place.” A clear reference to the cost-of-living crisis we’re all feeling.

In one of the more concrete parts of the speech, Starmer pledged that every veteran in housing need would be guaranteed a home. He also extended that promise to young care leavers and victims of domestic abuse, saying they would have “the security they deserve.” Solid commitments, but time will tell if they turn into action.

When it comes to pensioners, Starmer assured them they’d be better off with Labour. With lower prices, shorter NHS waiting times, and the triple lock secured, he promised that every pensioner would benefit. This was likely aimed at easing concerns about winter fuel payments—a hot topic as colder months approach.

In the end, Starmer’s speech was all about guiding the British people towards “the light at the end of the tunnel.” Whether he conveyed that message clearly enough is already being debated, with some, like Alastair Campbell, suggesting that Labour still needs to sharpen its communication. Ultimately, the true impact of the speech will be measured by how well it’s remembered in the months to come. For now, though, it seems that Starmer’s most memorable line is his unexpected call for the “return of sausages in Gaza.” A curious takeaway, and one we’re not sure he’ll be able to deliver on.