Boris Johnson warns Tories not to merge with Reform

Sir Keir Starmer continued: “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 surely clearly 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 our nation has always been our ability to navigate a way to calmer waters. And yet this depends on 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 stopped rolling, their lives are ignored. I want to say very clearly to those people, not this time. Changing a country’s 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 if 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 interests, to defy quietly those who have written our country off.”