Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, is set to make a significant housing pledge during his speech at the party's annual conference. He will outline his vision to "build a new Britain"
by granting additional powers to housing and local mayors if Labour wins the next general election.
In his address to the conference in Liverpool, Sir Keir will commit to expediting construction on unused urban land and developing the "next generation of New Towns" near cities in England. Additionally, he will propose increased police presence to ensure patrols in town centers.
Expressing an intention for Labour to remain in power for two terms, he will portray a Labour victory as the beginning of a "decade of national renewal" following 13 years of Conservative-led government. He will convey the message that what is broken can be fixed, and what is damaged can be rebuilt.
This speech in Liverpool may be Sir Keir's last opportunity to address a conference audience before the expected general election next year and to present his case for becoming the country's prime minister.
By speaking of a decade of renewal, he aims to convey confidence and draw parallels to post-Second World War Prime Minister Clement Attlee's emphasis on rebuilding.
Pat McFadden, Labour's national campaign co-ordinator, emphasized that Sir Keir was not making any assumptions but was being candid with the public about the country's challenges. McFadden explained that after 13 years of Conservative rule, it would take time to address these issues and initiate a process of national renewal.
The speech, anticipated to last about an hour, will outline plans for constructing new towns near English cities, mirroring the approach taken by the first majority Labour government after World War Two. Labour intends to build a series of "large-scale" settlements on land acquired by state-backed companies, enabling them to purchase land at reduced rates without factoring in potential planning permission value increases.
Furthermore, Sir Keir will announce a six-month consultation to identify areas with "unmet housing needs" suitable for new developments. Local councils will be encouraged to propose solutions, with affordable homes contributing to local housing targets.
The speech will also touch on rewriting planning rules to establish national standards for five-storey Georgian-style townhouse blocks, making it more likely for developers to obtain planning permission on brownfield sites if they adhere to these standards.
In addition to housing and local mayors, Sir Keir will discuss policing. He will promise to recruit more neighborhood police officers to guarantee patrols in town centers, part of a broader plan to combat crime and anti-social behavior. This includes reversing a 2014 decision that allowed individuals stealing goods worth less than £200 to plead guilty by post or face magistrates' court, which Labour believes has led to reduced focus on low-value shoplifting. Furthermore, he will pledge to create a standalone offense in England and Wales for assaulting a retail worker, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to two years.
Labour's strategy for the next election is centered on the economy, and the party has ruled out wealth taxes to fund public services. Instead, it aims to emphasize fiscal responsibility and generate private investment for the economic growth required to enhance services.
Mr. McFadden emphasized that while Labour seeks improved public services, it acknowledges that taxation alone is insufficient for shaping the future. The party recognizes the need for private investment to achieve the necessary economic growth.
Overall, Sir Keir Starmer's speech outlines a comprehensive vision for addressing housing, local governance, and law enforcement while presenting Labour as a party ready to lead the country into a new era of national renewal. Photo by Rwendland, Wikimedia commons.