Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to prove his doubters wrong and fight any leadership challenge, warning that Labour faces 'very dangerous opponents' in a make-or-break speech. With rivals reportedly on the brink of a challenge, Starmer said he would not walk away from his responsibilities as prime minister.
In a series of policy pledges, Starmer promised to seek a new deal with the European Union, including a sweeping youth mobility scheme, nationalise British steel, and introduce a beefed-up youth guarantee of jobs and apprenticeships. He also said he would ban 'far-right agitators' from entering Britain to speak at a nationalist march.
Starmer warned critics within his party that they risked opening the door to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, describing the situation as 'nothing less than a battle for the soul of our nation.' He insisted Labour must win as 'a stronger version of Labour, a mainstream party of power, not protest.'
The speech comes after Labour recorded historically poor election results, including coming third in Wales, failing to make progress in Scotland, and losing over 1,500 councillors across England. Starmer acknowledged mistakes, admitting the government had focused too much on gloomy messaging and failed to convince people their lives would improve.
Labour MPs believe Health Secretary Wes Streeting could imminently launch a leadership challenge, though allies deny this. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is also reportedly seeking a by-election seat to return to parliament and run for leader. Starmer said he would not resign, arguing that a leadership challenge would plunge the country into chaos.
