In a heavily briefed speech at Downing Street, Keir Starmer vows to reverse a decade of decline and fix the foundations of the UK economy. He criticizes the Conservatives for leaving the country in “rubble and ruin” and promises to root out 14 years of rot. The prime minister faces backlash for ending winter fuel payments for pensioners and is pressured to end the two-child benefit cap and extend the household support fund.
Starmer emphasizes the importance of trust in politics and highlights the need for societal cohesion in the aftermath of recent riots. Tory party chairman Richard Fuller accuses Labour of abandoning public service and engaging in sleaze.
In other news, a £40m VIP helicopter contract used by former PM Rishi Sunak will be cancelled, and the Scottish government is urged to take responsibility for economic issues. A proposal by Rachel Reeves to reform pensions tax relief could raise £10bn a year.
Cabinet Office minister Ellie Reeves defends means-testing pensioner’s winter fuel allowance, attributing the decision to the economic mess inherited from the previous government. She denies Cabinet splits on the policy and states that it is a tough but responsible decision due to the country’s finances. Lord Waheed Alli, a major Labour donor and peer, is at the center of controversy for accessing Downing Street without an official role. Labour chair Ellie Reeves maintains that proper processes were followed in granting him access.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
Keir Starmer set to address the legacy of decay left by Conservatives in speech – UK politics updates | Politics
