Starmer: ‘We ripped out antisemitism to make our party fit to serve our country’
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's conference speech line on tackling Jew hate draws a 34-second standing ovation
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s mission to “rip out antisemitism out by its roots” to “make our party fit to serve our country” was greeted with a loud and lengthy standing ovation by delegates and MPs watching his speech at the party’s annual conference,
In a speech that was wide-ranging in the topics it covered, Starmer referred back to the pledge he made as he back leader in April 2020 to tackle anti-Jewish racism in his party.
He said: “I knew when I became leader of this party we had a big task before us.
“We had to change our party and prepare for power all in one go. Not change for change sake. Change with a purpose, to make our party fit to serve our country.
“That’s why we had to rip out antisemitism by its roots.”
As Starmer delivered his speech from the stage Mike Katz of the Jewish Labour Movement could be seen seated just behind him, alongside other representatives of minority communities.
The Labour leader also reiterated his party’s pro-NATO stance which he said was “unnegotiable” – and said his wanted Labour to work side-by-side with business.
“Country first, party second,” he said.
Turning his attending to the Russian president, Starmer told the conference: “We will never allow Putin’s threats and imperialism to succeed.
“We will stand alongside Ukraine’s people, fighting on the frontlines. So let this entire conference say together: Slava Ukraini!”
In a huge show of support for the leader of the opposition’s words, the entire hall rose to their feet, giving him an ovation for nearly one minute.
Elsewhere in Tuesday’s speech Starmer said Labour must build a fairer, greener, and more dynamic nation.
He also unveiled plans to create a publicly-owned renewable energy giant – Great British Energy
He pitched Labour as an economically responsible party, which he said would defeat the cost-of-living crisis and stabilise the economy for businesses
Starmer talked about Labour’s green prosperity plan which he said would bring cheaper bills and higher living standards to everyone.
He said he wanted 70% of the population to be homeowners – offering new mortgage guarantees and a clampdown on buy-to-let landlords.
Starmer also slammed the performance of the Tory government, and rounded on current Prime Minister Liz Truss and chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng over the budget announcement last Friday and its impact on the economy.
Tacking on his critics over Brexit, Starmer added: “The policy of my Labour Government will always be to make Brexit work. It’s no secret I voted Remain – as the Prime Minister did.”
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