Category: Speeches

  • James Callaghan – 1987 Comments on Michael Foot

    James Callaghan – 1987 Comments on Michael Foot

    The comments made by James Callaghan, the former Prime Minister, in 1987.

    Michael Foot, who succeeded me as Leader, inherited a bed of nails and was never given a fair chance. It was deeply disappointing that shortly after my resignation some prominent former members of the Labour Cabinet should have deserted to form the Social Democratic Party instead of remaining to fight the battle against the unrealistic and often malignant factions which plagued the Labour Party at that time. This made Michael’s task doubly difficult. His resignation after the 1983 election bought a new generation to the fore and the vigorous leadership of Neil Kinnock, Roy Hattersley and others met the Militant faction head on and defeated them, thus strengthening the Party’s prospects for victory at the next election.

  • Richard Hermer – 2026 Comments on the Fordingbridge Three 

    Richard Hermer – 2026 Comments on the Fordingbridge Three 

    The comments made by Richard Hermer, the Attorney General, on 26 May 2026.

    There has understandably been a huge amount of public interest, and concern, at this horrific case.

    I directed my officials to work urgently, to allow me to consider this decision swiftly, and to begin to bring closure to the victims and their families.

    It is clear to me from their powerful personal statements, that these girls have displayed immense bravery in coming forward.

    There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls in this country, and this government will not hesitate in taking action to ensure all women and girls feel safe and have confidence in the justice system.

  • Cheryl de Freitas – 2026 Comments on Youth Sentencing

    Cheryl de Freitas – 2026 Comments on Youth Sentencing

    The comments made by Cheryl de Freitas, the Chief Operating Officer of the Youth Justice Board, on 26 May 2026.

    Confidence in the justice system matters, particularly in cases involving violence against women and girls and it is essential that public concern is not dismissed.

    It is also important that individual judges and frontline youth justice services are not unfairly critiqued for applying the legal framework and the evidence they are required to consider in youth cases.

    The overwhelming majority of children do not commit offences of this seriousness. But where they do, the response must balance accountability, public protection, victim harm, deterrence, and the long-term goal of preventing future violence.

    Above all, we must acknowledge the immense bravery of the girls who came forward, whose courage in speaking out is paramount as we work to ensure justice and safety for all victims.

    We welcome the Attorney General’s review of this case and will not be commenting further as we await the outcome of this review.

  • Alastair Campbell – 2026 Comments about David Miliband

    Alastair Campbell – 2026 Comments about David Miliband

    The comments made by Alastair Campbell on 23 May 2026.

    Whoever is Prime Minister in the coming months for heaven’s sake try to get David Miliband back into UK politics to be part of your team. His interview on Today programme just now a reminder of how much his voice and his brain are missed.

  • Yvette Cooper – 2026 Comments on Ebola in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

    Yvette Cooper – 2026 Comments on Ebola in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

    The comments made by Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, on 21 May 2026.

    It is vital we act now to save lives – outbreaks like Ebola do not stop at borders, and neither can we.

    This outbreak is a stark reminder that global health threats require a global response. The UK is working hand-in-hand with partners – boosting much needed funding but also sharing our technical expertise,  to contain the outbreak, protect our security, and support those most at risk.

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is assessing routes by which travellers enter the UK from the affected countries and will be working with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Department for Transport, and Border Force to ensure information is available to them on Ebola symptoms and how to access healthcare if unwell. The UK has updated its travel advice and advises against all but essential travel to some parts of the DRC.

  • Stephen Kinnock – 2026 Comments on Sick Notes

    Stephen Kinnock – 2026 Comments on Sick Notes

    The comments made by Stephen Kinnock, the Minister of State for Care, on 20 May 2026.

    Ever since I was appointed Minister of State for Care in July 2024, NHS staff have been telling me that the current fit note system isn’t working – not for patients, and not for the clinicians who sign them off.

    These pilots mark the beginning of the end for that broken system, giving people personalised support to get back into work and freeing up GPs from unnecessary admin so they can focus on what they do best: caring for their patients.

    This is what our 10 Year Health Plan is all about – earlier support, from the right people, in the right place.

  • Pat McFadden – 2026 Comments on Sick Notes

    Pat McFadden – 2026 Comments on Sick Notes

    The comments made by Pat McFadden, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on 20 May 2026.

    Fit notes are too often a dead end – a piece of paper that tells people they can’t work but does nothing to help them get better.

    We’re changing that. By bringing employers, the NHS, and patients together we can help people recover faster, stay connected to their jobs, and get the economy firing on all cylinders.

    That’s what these pilots are about, and that’s what this Government is committed to – fixing what is broken.

  • Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on Infected Blood

    Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on Infected Blood

    The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 20 May 2026.

    We stand with the infected blood community to bear witness to the lives lost and those changed forever. As a nation, we must ensure the lessons of this scandal are never forgotten.

    I pay tribute to their extraordinary courage and dignity in their long fight for truth and justice, and extend my sincere thanks to the Infected Blood Memorial Committee for the care, compassion and dedication behind this service.

  • Rachel Reeves – 2026 Comments on Fuel Prices

    Rachel Reeves – 2026 Comments on Fuel Prices

    The comments made by Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on 20 May 2026.

    I’m keeping taxes down for drivers and businesses – putting money in the pockets of millions of workers and cutting costs for farmers and hauliers.

    The war in Iran is pushing up fuel prices here at home but after strong growth at the beginning of the year, I am stepping in to protect people at the pump

    By protecting households and businesses we are building a stronger and more secure economy for Britain. That is the right economic plan.

  • Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on Fuel Costs

    Keir Starmer – 2026 Comments on Fuel Costs

    The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 20 May 2026.

    I know many are feeling the pressure of energy and fuel costs, and are worried about how the conflict in Iran will affect their finances. Because when global events drive up prices, it’s working people who feel it first.

    That’s why this government is stepping in to keep fuel costs down for millions of drivers and putting money back in the pockets of working people.