A future Labor government will not get its “big government checkbook” and try to escape the “turmoil” inherited from the Conservatives, says UK Labor leader Sir Kiel Sturmer. promised.
In his first major speech in 2023, Sturmer said there was “increasing impatience for change, real change, lasting change and national renewal”, adding that “the British people are willing to deliver that change.” I’m looking to work for the sake of it,” he said.
In a veiled reference to his efforts to move the party toward the center after the turbulent tenure of his predecessor, left-wing ideologist Jeremy, he said that his party was ” We’ve regained some trust,” he said, and will “build on that” this year. Corbin.
Sturmer said in Stratford, east London, that a future Labor government would bring “new ways of governing”.
Sturmer, whose party continues to poll ahead of the ruling Conservative Party, said Labor “understands what it means to put service to the country first”, adding that he “will move forward and “We need to rise to the occasion and prove that we can be a bold and reformist government.” ”
He said Labor “needs to show Britain not just what the Conservatives have done for Britain, but the Britain that Labor can build”.
There is no “big government checkbook”
But Mr Sturmer warned that Labor will not be able to escape the current challenges facing the country.
“This should not be seen as a code for Labor to issue big government checkbooks. We can’t get out of their mess – it’s not that simple.
“There is no substitute for a robust private sector that creates wealth for all communities,” he told the audience.
Responding to reporters’ questions after his speech, the Labor leader said the economy was “badly damaged” under the Conservative government, making big spending impossible.
“Because we know that commitment on the checkbook will inherit a badly damaged economy and a badly damaged country. is needed.
“Of course, we will make our case clear for the election, and we have already set fiscal rules in terms of spending, borrowing only for investment, and debt reduction as part of the economy.”
He added: “Everything we say we will do, as it has already been, will be fully prepared at the expense and we will do it for the election. .”
“Take Back Control”
Sturmer also promised to give new powers to the community away from Westminster’s central government.
He said his party had promised to turn the Brexit campaign message “Take Back Control” “from a slogan into a solution”, so he would do it right.
Labour said it would hand over power from London to communities across the country and introduce a “Take Back Control Bill” that would allow new controls over employment support, transport, energy, housing and many other areas.
The Labor Party, which has promised to abolish and replace the Senate, will give local councils a greater say in their own finances while giving communities the right to demand more power, he said. Stated.
“Decisions that create wealth for our communities should be made by the local people in the game, and a massive power shift from Westminster will impact our economy, politics, and democracy. could change,” Sturmer told the audience.
“Back to Brexit. Yes, there were a lot of problems with that vote. I couldn’t resist.”
“Gypsum Politics”
During his speech, Sturmer, also in Stratford, took aim at Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who set out his own vision for the country just a day earlier.
Sunak has pledged to “halve inflation this year”, “grow the economy” and ensure that the UK government debt falls.
He also pledged to reduce the National Health Service (NHS) waiting list to “ensure people get the care they need more quickly”.
In addition, the Prime Minister pledged to stop illegal immigration, especially by small boats in the English Channel, by passing a new law that “if you come to the country illegally you will be detained and promptly removed”.
The Labor leader criticized Sunak’s speech, saying the Prime Minister’s five promises were “weak and ambitious”.
he said: More promises, more clichés. We have no ambition to move us forward. I don’t know what my country needs. Thirteen years of sticky plaster politics alone. ”
Mr Sturmer also said Labor would likely withdraw the government’s anti-strike bill.
When asked about the matter by Times Radio, he said he didn’t think the law would work.
“Obviously, we’ll look at what they propose, but if it’s a further restriction, we’ll repeal it because we don’t think legislation is the way to end labor disputes. is.”
PA Media contributed to this report.
