Commenting on Keir Starmer’s keynote leader’s speech at the Labour Conference today (Tuesday), UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:
“Today Keir Starmer showed Labour’s new leadership is focused on the future, on the challenges our country faces at this unprecedented time and, crucially, on winning the next election.
“UNISON members have faced a decade of austerity and pay cuts – they need a Labour Party that can, and will, win the next election. In Keir Starmer, Labour has a leader who can do just that.
“Keir understands our members – including some of the lowest paid in our country such as cleaners, catering staff and care workers – have kept the country going through the darkest of hours. Too often they’re underappreciated, undervalued and underpaid.
“He was right to talk about the broken social care system. The Tories have mismanaged care for years – failing to fix it, despite many promises. It will be up to Labour to fix the mess this government has created.
“Now, more than ever, we need a Labour government. The future of our country relies on electing one, led by Keir Starmer.
“Keir has made a big step in winning back the trust of the British people today. It’s now the responsibility of everyone in the party and in unions to join him in that fight.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
