Starmer Takes the Stage as Labour Conference Opens
As Labour gathers in Liverpool for its annual conference, Sir Keir Starmer faces a fresh round of scrutiny on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. The interview unfolds as the party seeks to rally support and present a credible pathway back to power, balancing internal debates with the need to project unity and a clear agenda to voters.
JLR loan underwritten to protect UK jobs
The government has decided to underwrite a 1.5bn loan to Jaguar Land Rover from a major commercial bank, arguing the move will shield thousands of UK jobs by protecting the wider supplier chain after a cyber attack forced production to halt. JLR employs about 150,000 people and relies on a network of around 700 suppliers, many of which are small businesses. With no cars built this month and orders drying up, the ripple effects through the supply chain have raised concerns across regional economies.
Gaza peace talks and the Israel question
In a wider global context, new Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has suggested that the international community is nearing a breakthrough on ending the war in Gaza. Speaking ahead of the conference, she said UN leaders have reached a moment where momentum for a resolution is building, though she stopped short of declaring Israel’s actions genocide, citing legal processes. The remarks come amid ongoing debates about how to balance humanitarian needs with security concerns.
Home Secretary seeks to reshape indefinite leave to remain rules
Before the conference, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood signalled a potential overhaul of the rules around indefinite leave to remain. She described migration as a positive contributor to the UK economy while emphasising that settlement should reflect a resident’s broader contribution to communities, not just job status or tax contributions. The discussion signals a shift toward linking long term settlement to civic impact as part of a broader immigration reform agenda.
Leadership chatter and the Burnham question
The show also tackles leadership discussions within Labour. Keir Starmer has faced questions about possible leadership challenges from Andy Burnham, with the Manchester mayor’s name repeatedly surfacing in conversations about the party’s future. Starmer has urged focus on policy rather than personal ambitions, drawing a contrast with past leadership episodes and urging MPs and supporters to rally around a shared programme.
Burnham, reformers and the party’s direction
Andy Burnham’s comments in recent days have stirred debate about whether a leadership contest is feasible or desirable. He would need to win a seat in Parliament to mount a challenge, and nominations would require support from a substantial portion of Labour MPs. The discussions underscore a broader question about how Labour navigates internal differences while presenting a united front to voters ahead of the next general election.
Starmer on pulling Labour round
In a candid tone, Starmer told the Times that his government can still pull Labour round and regain public momentum. He criticised Reform UK and its leader, arguing that the party would undermine stability. The interview is part of a broader effort to reinvigorate Labour’s message and demonstrate a credible alternative to the current government ahead of the party conference.
A look at this morning’s panel and what to watch
Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg features a panel that includes figures from Labour and the opposition, as well as analysts who will weigh in on the party’s strategy. The discussion promises to cover the policy slate, leadership dynamics, and the practical steps Labour plans to take to rebuild public trust as the conference progresses.
Conclusion: setting the tone for the conference
With a climate of suspense around leadership rumours, economic worries about the JLR network, and hopes for international peace initiatives, the Labour conference in Liverpool will be a turning point. Starmer’s responses on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg aim to set a constructive tone, showing how Labour intends to balance unity with bold policy proposals.
