Sir Keir Starmer announced that a Labour government would create a new, publicly owned British energy company and committed to a Hillsborough Law in his pitch to be the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
In a keynote speech at Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, Sir Keir led with a commitment for a new Hillsborough Law, which families of the Hillsborough victims have been campaigning for.
The ECHO has also campaigned for the new law - also known as the Public Authorities (Accountability) bill, which will help bereaved families and aims to prevent further injustices where there is state involvement.
READ MORE: Andy Burnham backs Hillsborough families as Labour vow to bring in new law
Sir Keir said the new legislation would be one of his first acts as Prime Minister. He told the conference: "This is our first conference in Liverpool since 2018. And that means it’s our first conference since this city’s call for Justice for the 96 became Justice for the 97.
"For too long his city has been let down. So, when Labour wins the next election, one of my first acts as Prime Minister will be to put the Hillsborough Law on the statute book.
"I know how much this matters. I’ve spent a lifetime helping those who have been failed by the system. I promise you we will get this city the justice it deserves."
Probably the biggest and most popular policy announcement arrived when the Labour leader focussed on the subject of energy. He announced that a Labour government would create a publicly owned new company called Great British Energy.
He said: "Just look at what’s happening at the moment. The largest onshore wind farm in Wales. Who owns it? Sweden. Energy bills in Swansea are paying for schools and hospitals in Stockholm. The Chinese Communist Party has a stake in our nuclear industry. And five million people in Britain pay their bills to an energy company owned by France.
"So we will set up Great British Energy within the first year of a Labour government. A new company that takes advantage of the opportunities in clean British power and because it’s right for jobs, because it’s right for growth, because it’s right for energy independence from tyrants like Putin. And yes Conference, Great British Energy will be publicly owned."
The announcement prompted huge cheers and one of many standing ovations. It also went down well with MPs. Liverpool Wavertree MP Paula Barker tweeted: "Loud, justified applause in the conference hall for @Keir_Starmer announcement that a Labour Government would set up Great British Energy, a publicly owned energy company. Great news."
The popular policy announcement was flanked by strong attacks on the Conservatives' record in government, with Starmer keen to fire into the open goal provided by the Chancellor's budget announcement and the subsequent crashing of the pound.
He said: "The Government has lost control of the British economy – and for what? They’ve crashed the pound – and for what? Higher interest rates. Higher inflation. Higher borrowing. And for what?
"Not for you. Not for working people. For tax cuts for the richest 1% in our society. Don’t forget. Don’t forgive."
With Labour 17 points clear in the latest polling and the government under enormous pressure over its economic plans, there was a sense that Sir Keir had to grasp the nettle and seize the moment. The mood in the conference hall certainly suggested he did just that - with wave after wave of standing applause.
After pledging there would be 'no deal' with the SNP, the Labour leader closed with his pitch for government. He said: "So, Conference, say it loud and believe it. Britain will deal with the cost-of-living crisis. Britain will get its future back
A country where aspiration is rewarded. Where working people succeed. A force for good in the world. A clean energy superpower. A fairer, greener, more dynamic nation. That’s my commitment to you. The national mission of the next Labour government. And together with the British people – we will do it."
Reacting to her party leader's speech, Wirral South MP Alison McGovern said: "The country is ready for change and Keir Starmer perfectly articulated why: people are sick of Tories ruining hope and opportunity. We want strong public finances and strong public services, and to build wealth for all in our country. Keir's speech was clear and direct about how we will rebuild hope."
On the commitment to a Hillsborough Law, Liverpool fan Ms McGovern added: "I am so glad and proud that Keir Starmer opened his speech committing us to putting Hillsborough Law into statute. The whole country knows that we cannot tolerate injustice and changing how families are treated by the justice system cannot come soon enough."
READ NEXT:
Dirt bike rider, 26, dead and two taken to hospital after crash
Boy came rushing out of his house 'covered in blood'
