In full: Sir Keir Starmer delivers speech in East Sussex

Key Concepts

• Mandelson Case: Allegations of inappropriate conduct and dishonesty regarding Peter Mandelson’s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, leading to his dismissal as ambassador.
• Pride in Place Funding: Government initiative investing in local communities to foster pride, improve infrastructure, and boost local economies.
• National Security & Extremism: Concerns about external threats and the need to combat extremism and division within the UK.
• Social Contract & Integration: The importance of a strong social contract based on contribution, responsibility, and integration of diverse communities.
• Political Neglect & Austerity: Criticism of previous governments’ austerity measures and their negative impact on communities.
• Renewal vs. Grievance: Framing the current political landscape as a contest between positive change and divisive grievance politics.
• British Values: Emphasis on tolerance, decency, respect, and a shared sense of national identity.

Addressing the Mandelson Case & Standards in Public Life

The Prime Minister began by directly addressing the controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson, acknowledging serious allegations and evidence concerning his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. It was publicly known that Mandelson knew Epstein, but the depth and darkness of the relationship was previously unknown. Mandelson was directly questioned about the nature of his relationship with Epstein, including whether he had stayed at Epstein’s premises after his conviction, and whether he had accepted gifts and hospitality. The Prime Minister stated that Mandelson’s answers were demonstrably lies, portraying Epstein as someone he barely knew. This deception led to Mandelson’s dismissal.

The Prime Minister emphasized that “no one is above accountability” and that honesty is a fundamental requirement for public office. He expressed regret for appointing Mandelson based on false information and apologized to the victims of Epstein, acknowledging their trauma and the delays in achieving accountability. He explained the frustration in not being able to release documents related to the case immediately due to police advice regarding potential prejudice to future investigations. He reiterated a commitment to pursuing the truth and upholding the integrity of public life, stating, “We will pursue the truth. We will uphold the integrity of public life and we will do everything within our power and in the interests of justice to ensure accountability is delivered.”

Pride in Place & Local Community Investment

The Prime Minister transitioned to the purpose of his visit to Hastings, highlighting the “Pride in Place” funding initiative. This £5 billion program, with an additional £800 million announced, aims to invest in 284 neighborhoods across the country, including Hastings, to foster local pride and improve quality of life. He emphasized the importance of local people feeling positive about their communities and having hope for the future. He cited his own deep roots in Hastings – his family’s 400-year history, his involvement in local organizations (Hastings Pride and Place board, local charities, railway station improvements, lifeboat volunteering) – as evidence of his commitment to the area.

He contrasted the current opportunity with periods of decline in Hastings, particularly the 1990s, and expressed optimism that things are improving under the current government. He believes small changes can have a big impact and that this funding provides a chance to deliver real improvements for the people of Hastings. He specifically mentioned examples like Bernard Stone Street’s veteran support center and Miranda’s litter-busting initiative as examples of local pride in action.

National Identity, Integration & the Social Contract

A significant portion of the speech focused on national identity, integration, and the importance of a strong social contract. The Prime Minister asserted his belief in British values – fairness, freedom, decency, tolerance, and respect for difference – and argued that these values are essential for national strength and security. He emphasized the need for a “two-way street” in integration, where newcomers contribute to society and embrace British rules.

He criticized both the “industrialized grievance factory” on social media that portrays communities negatively and the “remote liberalism” on the left that fails to adequately address integration challenges. He specifically condemned the Reform candidate’s suggestion that individuals like Rishi Sunak, Shabana Mahmood, and Marcus Rashford are not truly British, stating, “As long as I’ve got breath in my body, I will always fight against that politics.” He also criticized the Conservative Party for tolerating comments questioning the integration of Birmingham.

Addressing Political Neglect & the Need for Renewal

The Prime Minister argued that recent years have seen a decline in the practice of British values, undermined by political neglect and austerity. He specifically criticized the “scorched earth” of Tory austerity, which led to the abandonment of vital community resources like high streets, libraries, and youth clubs. He contrasted this with a commitment to rebuilding these resources and investing in communities.

He framed the current political landscape as a contest between “renewal and grievance,” arguing that his government chooses the path of unity and progress. He warned of external threats to national security and emphasized the importance of a strong society to withstand these challenges. He linked economic stability, social cohesion, and national security, stating that a country unable to maintain its high streets, control its bills, and respect its people will struggle to meet the challenges of the modern world.

Economic Policy & Migration Reform

The Prime Minister outlined several economic policies aimed at strengthening the social contract, including tackling the cost of living crisis, raising living standards, freezing rail fares and fuel duty, slashing childcare costs, and investing in industrial policy and the national minimum wage.

He also addressed migration, acknowledging its importance to British history and society but emphasizing the need for reform. He criticized the failures of the previous government’s migration system and argued that reforms are necessary to restore trust in politics and prevent the exploitation of the issue by divisive forces. He advocated for a system based on contribution, referencing the Windrush generation as an example of successful integration based on mutual benefit. He stated that the reforms will boost integration, restore trust, and challenge the notion that whiteness is synonymous with Britishness.

Strengthening the State & Empowering Communities

The Prime Minister called for a more vigilant assertion of British values and a crackdown on extremism, including both far-right and Islamist ideologies. He also advocated for stronger regulation of homeschooling and improved English language provision to promote integration.

He emphasized the need to reverse the decline in communities and empower local people to take control of their own futures. He highlighted the “Pride in Place” program as a means of achieving this, giving communities the power to decide how funding is used. He contrasted this with the top-down approach of previous governments, arguing that local pride and agency are essential for successful renewal.

Q&A Highlights – Addressing Criticism & Maintaining Authority

The Q&A session focused heavily on the Mandelson case and questions about the Prime Minister’s judgment and leadership. He repeatedly defended his actions, explaining that he had been misled by Mandelson’s false statements and that he had acted swiftly to dismiss him once the truth came to light. He acknowledged the anger and frustration of MPs and the public but reiterated his commitment to focusing on the government’s agenda of economic stability, social renewal, and national security.

When questioned about his authority and whether his position was untenable, he emphasized the importance of staying focused on delivering for the country and argued that removing him would only strengthen the forces of division and grievance. He defended his record and highlighted the positive impact of his government’s policies.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister’s speech and subsequent Q&A session presented a comprehensive vision for a renewed Britain based on strong communities, shared values, and economic stability. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the Mandelson case and the broader political landscape, he remained optimistic about the future and committed to delivering on his government’s promises. The central themes revolved around restoring trust in politics, fostering national pride, and building a more inclusive and resilient society. The emphasis on local empowerment, economic opportunity, and a strong social contract underscored a commitment to a long-term vision of national renewal.