Ultimately, the wait was 50 minutes long. In the run-up to Keir Starmer’s maiden prime ministerial speech at the Labour conference in Liverpool, there were predictions amongst the press concerning the time it would take for a protestor to cause a disturbance. Would it be as early as 12 minutes? Perhaps 20? The consensus was that it would likely be shorter. Nobody predicted the half century mark.
The session’s interruption seemed a foregone conclusion. The conference, rather than a triumphant jubilee, had taken on an odd, subdued tone as Starmer’s administration grappled with controversies and internal disputes related to donors. Concurrently, the broader Labour contingent appeared to be grappling with their newfound status as the ruling party, stressfully contending with the sheer magnitude of their responsibility to mend the nation.
The highest excitement was provided not by party members, but by anti-Israel demonstrators. Merely three hours prior to Starmer taking the podium, members of a spontaneously rallied leftist protest group – Youth Demand – were apprehended whilst spraying ‘Genocide Conference’ onto the entrance of the secured area.
Starmer seemed to stand prepared, even eager, for the interruption. In the previous year, he had addressed the party from the same location, awash in glitter from an environmental activist’s effort, as they were eagerly expecting power instead of the apprehension brought about by its inhabitation. The prime minister alluded to this during his Tuesday speech, criticising those who hanker after a ‘politics of noisy performance’, dismissing it as a ‘weak and cowardly illusion of populism.’
“Flecks of glitter on a shirt cuff,” he scoffed, alluding to last year’s incident. “It hasn’t diverted my attention previously, and it won’t now.'”
A lone protestor, decrying what he posited to be an ongoing Israeli-perpetrated genocide in Gaza, interrupted the session a half-hour subsequent to Starmer’s declaration. This occurred despite the strict security measures taken to deter an onstage breach.
In the face of a male protester’s removal, Starmer, who had been anticipating this incident, retorted with a prepared response in a characteristically calm and assertive fashion. “Clearly this individual is stuck in our old 2019 conference,” commented Starmer in a reference to the final days of Corbyn’s leadership and the Labour party’s crushing defeat by Boris Johnson’s Conservatives during that year.
“While this gentleman has been conducting protests, we’ve undergone a transformation – the reasons underlying the existence of a Labour government today,” articulated Starmer. His quick-witted response garnered hearty applause and cheers from the majority of the attendees with the exception of a group of union delegates seated near the press who maintained a noticeably aloof and impassive stance towards Starmer, refusing to participate in the resulting ovations that punctuated his speech.
Party conference speeches are usually well-rehearsed performances with a blend of optimism, rhetorical flourishes, personal stories, and crowd-pleasing moments meant to incite applause, and the delegates are well-acquainted with their cues. These events often follow a predictable script.
Starmer’s approach was also similarly formulaic, but possessed his unique methodical style. It boasted a refined, robust, under-stated and somewhat obstinate character, but it was commendable and well-executed. Considering the shaky couple of weeks Starmer has faced, he would be content with his effort.
His oration aimed to restore morale among the party members, reminding them of the complicated nature of governance and encouraging them to brace themselves for the upcoming challenges, as they would pave the way for brighter days. Starmer conceded that the UK was currently in a state of uncertainty. However, he assured the party that putting in the hard work necessary to mend the nation would result in a renewed understanding of Britain’s identity in the face of an uncertain future.
He extensively emphasised the importance of preserving respect for law and fostering tolerance. The pinnacle of his speech, without a doubt, was his vehement critique of the xenophobic upheavals plaguing the UK during the summer months. He condemned the revolting racism displayed, and castigated rioters who targeted mosques and endangered refugees.
“With conviction, he addressed the mob, proclaiming, the nation is watching and it rejects you. He disparaged the notion of hating one’s neighbour based on physical differences as an expression of national love, declaring that such perspectives would never triumph and are outrightly rejected. This was a truly powerful moment, with Starmer delivering an impactful performance that his supporters say showcases the grit he would bring to his role.
He attempted to paint a picture of a brighter future for Britain, complete with rejuvenated public services, an improved economy, and enhanced chances for progress. He also cautioned about the challenging journey ahead, underlining that it brought no ‘easier solutions nor counterfeit hope’ but demanded hard work.
His speech, filled with fervour, took no intermissions for the applause that echoed. He lifted his voice emphatically, delineating his aspiration for an improved Britain with more houses, more hospitals, more roadways, and more schools.
“People will receive this and trust me; we will accomplish this”, he stated.
A good, strong, and, at moments, electrifying speech does not solely equip Labour for the forthcoming challenges. However, it can contribute some. As attendees exited post the speech, the sun made its inaugural appearance during the otherwise rain-soaked conference in Liverpool.
If the sunlight was a sign of calmer waters ahead, Starmer will certainly welcome it.”