Political editor Liam Thorp was invited to an intimate meeting between outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and some of the people he has helped, revealing a legacy that many may not know. On Tuesday, Thorp traveled to Parliament to sit alongside members of the Hillsborough families as the bill they fought for passed through the House of Commons. It was a huge and emotional moment, with family members crediting Andy Burnham and Keir Starmer as crucial figures in getting the legislation to this stage.
A Week of Milestones
The same week saw Burnham replace Starmer as Labour leader. Both spoke powerfully in the Commons as the Hillsborough Law made its way through, and both met with family members to thank them for their tireless campaigning. Thorp was invited into the rose garden of 10 Downing Street as Starmer thanked the Hillsborough families and others he has worked with ahead of his departure.
Starmer's Premiership: Mixed Record
Thorp acknowledges frustration and disappointment with Starmer's time in office. After 14 years of Tory austerity, Labour came to power in summer 2024 on a wave of optimism, but Starmer's administration never seized that feeling. Early mistakes, gloomy press conferences, and divisive policies like cutting winter fuel payments hurt their standing. Thorp notes concern over targeting marginalised communities in an attempt to win back support from Reform, which drove progressives to other parties. Too many u-turns and backtracking on key positions led to Starmer's downfall.
However, Thorp highlights achievements: renters' rights, worker protections, NHS improvements, scrapping the two-child benefit limit, and lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty.
Personal Stories of Impact
In the rose garden, Starmer referenced Nour Norris, whose niece Raneem and sister Khoala were murdered in a domestic violence attack where police failed to respond appropriately. The result is Raneem's Law, embedding independent domestic abuse advisors in 999 control rooms. Also present was Figen Murray, whose campaigning after the Manchester Arena bombing that killed her son Martyn Hett and 21 others led to Martyn's Law, improving security at major events.
Starmer spoke directly to Hillsborough family members Margaret Aspinall, Charlotte Hennessy, and Sue Roberts. He said, "The fact that I'm going to go from here and stand at the dispatch box as Prime Minister and open and shut and then vote on the third reading of the Hillsborough Law is fantastically important to me but most importantly to you because your courage and strength over so many years has been utterly breathtaking."
A Lasting Legacy
Thorp concludes that while Starmer will be criticised for his mistakes, his legacy includes important laws that will help people across the country. Families and campaigners have secured important legacies for their loved ones with his support. That is a legacy to be proud of.
