23 February 2023 , 00:01
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Keir Starmer has launched his plan for a two-term Labour government as he promises a “decade of national renewal”.
In a major speech in Manchester, the Labour leader set out five national “missions” to tackle some of the country’s greatest challenges.
His plan hones in the economy, crime, climate change, the NHS, and education, as the party prepares for the next general election.
Slamming Rishi Sunak’s “sticking plaster” approach to politics, Mr Starmer said the UK needs a “serious plan” to finally fix some of the thorniest issues.
“Without a serious plan, there will be no light at the end of a very long tunnel for the British people,” he said.
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With a general election potentially little over a year away, party officials said the “mission” plan will form the backbone of their manifesto.
Keir Starmer set out Labour's vision for Government in a speech in Manchester (Getty Images)The Labour leader pledged that his party will have a “relentless focus on the things that matter” in Government.
“An answer to the widespread call for someone that can ‘fix the fundamentals’. A long-term plan to unlock Britain’s pride and purpose”.
In the coming months the party is expected to set out more detail on the five “missions”, which include building an NHS fit for future, making Britain's streets safe and turning the country into a clean energy superpower.
He also pledged to make the UK the fastest growing economy in the G7 if he wins the next election - after stalling growth under the Tories.
Last month, the International Monetary Fund forecast Britain to be the only major economy in the G7 to shrink in 2o23 after the chaos of Liz Truss's short-lived Tory Government
It comes as the Tory Government grapples with a record-NHS waiting list, bleak economic forecasts, and widespread industrial unrest - after 13 years in power.
The latest polls also show Labour continuing to enjoy a healthy double-digit lead over the Tories - putting the party on course to win the keys to No10.
A YouGov poll released on Wednesday showed Labour on 50% with the Tories trailing behind on just 22% and the Liberal Democrats on 9%.
It also found that more voters - 34% - believe Mr Starmer would make the best Prime Minister - compared with just 21% for Mr Sunak.
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