“If you voted Labour yesterday, we will carry the responsibility of your trust as we rebuild our country. But whether you voted Labour or not, in fact, especially if you did not, I say to you directly, my government will serve you,” he declared.
In his inaugural address as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer presented a vision of national renewal, public service, and unity following Labour’s decisive victory in the general election.
Speaking after his appointment as prime minister by King Charles III, Starmer highlighted the significance of the moment and the change demanded by the electorate.
Acknowledging the Past and Embracing Change
Starmer began his speech by expressing gratitude towards the outgoing Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. He acknowledged Sunak’s historic role as the first British Asian Prime Minister, stating, “His achievement as the first British Asian Prime Minister of our country, the extra effort that that will have required, should not be underestimated by anyone.”
Starmer paid tribute to Sunak’s dedication and hard work during his leadership.
A New Mandate for Public Service
Reflecting on the election result, Starmer noted, “Our country has voted decisively for change, for national renewal, and a return of politics to public service.”
He underscored the growing disillusionment among the public due to the gap between their sacrifices and the service they receive from politicians.
“When the gap between the sacrifices made by people and the service they receive from politicians grows this big, it leads to a weariness in the heart of a nation,” he said, acknowledging the need for actions over words to restore trust.
Starmer promised a government that serves all citizens, regardless of how they voted.
“If you voted Labour yesterday, we will carry the responsibility of your trust as we rebuild our country. But whether you voted Labour or not, in fact, especially if you did not, I say to you directly, my government will serve you,” he declared.
Commitment to Public Service and National Unity
Emphasising the importance of public service, Starmer said, “Public service is a privilege, and that your government should treat every single person in this country with respect.”
He pledged to rebuild Britain, ensuring wealth is created in every community and the National Health Service is revitalised.
“Our NHS back on its feet, facing the future. Secure borders, safer streets, everyone treated with dignity and respect at work,” he vowed.
Building a Better Future
Starmer outlined his government’s priorities, including clean energy, world-class education, affordable housing, and security for working-class families. He highlighted the need for a “bigger reset” and a rediscovery of national identity.
“No matter how fierce the storms of history, one of the great strengths of this nation has always been our ability to navigate a way to calmer waters,” he remarked, stressing the need for politicians to recognise when change is necessary.
Listening to Everyday Workers
Addressing the concerns of everyday workers, Starmer promised that their voices would not be ignored.
“For too long now, we’ve turned a blind eye as millions slid into greater insecurity. Nurses, builders, drivers, carers, people doing the right thing, working harder every day, recognised at moments like this before. Yet, as soon as the cameras stop rolling, their lives are ignored. I want to say very clearly to those people, not this time,” he asserted.
A Call for Unity and Action
Starmer concluded with a call for unity and a commitment to rebuilding the nation.
“From now on, you have a government unburdened by doctrine, guided only by the determination to serve your interest, to defy, quietly, those who have written our country off.
“You have given us a clear mandate and we will use it to deliver change, to restore service and respect to politics, end the era of noisy performance, tread more lightly on your lives, and unite our country,” he said.
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Inviting all citizens to join in the mission of national renewal, Starmer stated, “Our work is urgent and we begin it today.”
The speech marks the beginning of a new chapter in British politics, with Starmer promising a government dedicated to service, unity, and substantial change.
The Full Speech
Good afternoon,
I have just returned from Buckingham Palace, where I accepted an invitation from His Majesty the King to form the next government of this great nation.
I want to thank the outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. His achievement as the first British Asian Prime Minister of our country, the extra effort that that would have required, should not be underestimated by anyone. We pay tribute to that today. And we also recognise the dedication and hard work he brought to his leadership. But now our country has voted decisively for change, for national renewal, and a return of politics to public service.
When the gap between the sacrifices made by people and the service they receive from politicians grows this big, it leads to a weariness in the heart of a nation, a draining away of the hope, the spirit, the belief in a better future, that we need to move forward together. Now, this wound, this lack of trust, can only be healed by actions, not words. I know that.
But we can make a start today with the simple acknowledgement that public service is a privilege, and that your government should treat every single person in this country with respect. If you voted Labour yesterday, we will carry the responsibility of your trust as we rebuild our country. But whether you voted Labour or not, in fact, especially if you did not, I say to you directly, my government will serve you.
Politics can be a force for good. We will show that. We’ve changed the Labour Party, returned it to service, and that is how we will govern.
Country first, party second. Yet, if I’m honest, service is merely a precondition of hope. And it is surely clear to everyone that our country needs a bigger reset, a rediscovery of who we are.
Because no matter how fierce the storms of history, one of the great strengths of this nation has always been our ability to navigate a way to calmer waters. And yet this depends upon politicians, particularly those who stand for stability and moderation, as I do. Recognising when we must change course.
For too long now, we’ve turned a blind eye as millions slid into greater insecurity. Nurses, builders, drivers, carers, people doing the right thing, working harder every day, recognised at moments like this before. Yet, as soon as the cameras stop rolling, their lives are ignored. I want to say very clearly to those people, not this time.
Changing a country is not like flicking a switch The world is now a more volatile place. This will take a while. But have no doubt that the work of change begins immediately. Have no doubt that we will rebuild Britain with wealth created in every community. Our NHS back on its feet, facing the future.
Secure borders, safer streets, everyone treated with dignity and respect at work. The opportunity of clean British power cutting your energy bills for good. And brick by brick, we will rebuild the infrastructure of opportunity.
The world-class schools and colleges, the affordable homes that I know are the ingredients of hope for working people. The security that working-class families like mine can build their lives around. Because if I asked you now whether you believe that Britain will be better for your children, I know too many of you would say no.
And so my government will fight every day until you believe again. From now on, you have a government unburdened by doctrine, guided only by the determination to serve your interest, to defy, quietly, those who have written our country off.
You have given us a clear mandate and we will use it to deliver change, to restore service and respect to politics, end the era of noisy performance, tread more lightly on your lives, and unite our country.
Four nations standing together again, facing down, as we have so often in our past, the challenges of an insecure world, committed to a calm and patient rebuilding.
So, with respect and humility, I invite you all to join this government of service in the mission of national renewal. Our work is urgent and we begin it today.
Thank you very much.
