Keir Starmer says the UK’s future is ‘in your hands’ after calling a general election

Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer told voters that on July 4 the future of the UK is in “your hands”, saying “together we can stop the chaos, we can turn the page, we can start rebuilding Britain”. The statement comes after Rishi Sunak called an election for July 4, saying it was “time for Britain to choose its future”.

The prime minister has bet that improved inflation figures and a recovering economy will help him overturn Labour’s 20-point lead in the opinion poll. The July election is earlier than many in Westminster had expected, with an October or November contest thought to be more likely.

Sir Keir said Labor would campaign for the general election with “a new spirit of service: country first, party second”.

The Labor leader added: “I’m very aware of the cynicism people have about politicians at the moment, but I came into politics late, having served our country as leader of the Crown Prosecution Service and helping the Police Service of Northern Ireland to obtain the consent of all communities.”

He added that service was “the reason and the only reason I’m sitting here now asking for your vote.”

“If they get another five years, they will feel entitled to continue exactly as they are. Nothing will change,” the Labor leader continued. “A vote for Labor is a vote for stability, economically and politically, a policy that makes our whole life easier. A vote to stop the chaos.”

Sir Keir also said there was “so much pride and potential” to unlock in Britain “with patience, determination and that commitment to serve”.

Citing his record as director of public prosecutions, the Labor leader said: “Service to our country is the reason and the only reason I stand here now and ask for your vote. I believe that with patience, determination and that commitment to service, there is so much pride and potential that we can unlock in our country.

“So there you have it, the future of the country in your hands.”