Here’s what experts thought of Starmer’s first speech
Yesterday Sir Keir Starmer delivered his first speech as prime minister at Labour’s Annual Conference in Liverpool. Industry experts are relatively pleased with his housing plans.
In his speech, which was delivered against the backdrop of a bleak economic picture, Keir Starmer introduced plans to supply housing for veterans, domestic abuse victims and young care leavers. What’s more, he also confirmed the government are progressing with Great British Energy – a project that will hopefully see homes run more sustainably.
Since his address, experts have shared their opinions and although most a positive, there’s always room for improvement.
Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders
‘Starmer reaffirmed the country first, party second message and proved that Britain still has politicians that believe in governing with conviction. It was particularly pleasing to hear planning reform remain a key plank of the government’s strategy.
‘Promises to house veterans and the homeless, create planning passports for inner cities, and introduce new foundation apprenticeships all example the Government is listening to the people and industry, and this gives them the best chance to enable and more importantly sustain growth.’
Mike Childs, head of policy at Friends of the Earth
‘In a week that Britain has been battered by floods, while mainland Europe starts the clean-up from even more extreme weather, and parts of Africa are gripped by prolonged droughts, Keir Starmer should have given more than a passing mention to the greatest threat facing our world in his speech.
‘The enthusiasm for Great British Energy is certainly welcome, but cleaning up our electricity alone will not get us back on track to meeting our climate targets. The UK will be judged by what it does on climate change, not simply what it says. Friends of the Earth looks forward to Keir Starmer and his team producing a proper joined-up climate plan that delivers on our international commitments and has fairness at its heart.’
Katherine Sacks-Jones, CEO of Become
‘Young people leaving care face a care cliff where important support and relationships disappear, and they are expected to become independent overnight. It’s a scandal that an estimated 1 in 3 young people face homelessness within two years of leaving care. Today’s announcement is a welcome step in addressing this and ensuring that young people leaving care have somewhere safe to live.’
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter
‘It’s absolutely right that people fleeing domestic abuse, care leavers and veterans are given access to a secure, genuinely affordable home.
‘But changing the rules for who qualifies for homes where won’t address the fact that there’s just fundamentally not enough social housing available.’
James Needham, chief executive of Help for Heroes
‘We know that many of the UK’s veterans struggle to make the transition back to civilian life after their service is over.
‘Increased levels of homelessness is just one of the ways in which these struggles manifest; particularly among those who join and leave at a young age.
‘While this is a positive step, we must all be mindful that homelessness is rarely an issue that occurs in isolation, and we look forward to continuing to work with the UK government to understand, and implement, the changes required to help all veterans and their families live well after service.’
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