London, United Kingdom

On Friday (July 5), British Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave his first speech from 10 Downing Street. Thanking Rishi Sunak, his predecessor, he said, "The work of change begins immediately."

Advertisment

Starmer stated in his address that the nation had "decisively voted for change and a return of politics to public service."

“Today we start the next chapter – begin the work of change, the mission of national renewal and start to rebuild our country,” he said.

“When the gap between the sacrifices made by people and the service they receive from politicians grows this big, it leads to a weariness in the heart of a nation, a draining away of the hope, the spirit, the belief in a better future, that we need to move forward together,” Starmer continued. 

Advertisment

Starmer said he intends to start work right away “with the simple acknowledgement that public service is a privilege and that this government should treat every single person in this country with respect.”

"My government will serve you. Politics can be a force for good - we will show that," he added.

"If I asked you now whether you believed that Britain will be better for your children, I know too many of you will say no - and so my government will fight until you believe again," Starmer said.

Advertisment

Also read: PM Modi congratulates Keir Starmer, eyes new India-UK strategic partnership

"You have given us a clear mandate, and we will use it to deliver change, to restore service and respect to politics, end the era of noisy performance, tread more lightly on your lives, and unite our country,” Starmer said.

“With respect and humility, I invite you all to join this government of service in a mission of national renewal. Our work is urgent, and we begin it today,” he said.

Amidst applause from supporters outside 10 Downing St., Starmer declared, "My government will make you believe again."

“The work for change begins immediately. We're going to reconstruct Britain,” he said. Starmer concluded by saying that his party will rebuild the infrastructure of opportunity, brick by brick.

(With inputs from agencies)