Starmer thanks campaigners who helped ‘shape me and make me who I am’

Starmer Honours Campaigners Who Shaped His Political Journey Before Departing Downing Street

Starmer thanks campaigners who helped shape - Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to continue his advocacy for justice causes long after leaving 10 Downing Street, reflecting on the movements and families that profoundly influenced his time in office. The outgoing Prime Minister addressed a gathering of campaigners at a special reception, acknowledging how their tireless efforts had fundamentally shaped his character and approach to governance.

A Garden of Gratitude

Speaking shortly before steering the Hillsborough Law through its concluding parliamentary stages, Sir Keir offered heartfelt praise to the families who had fought relentlessly for accountability. The Downing Street garden hosted numerous guests whose personal tragedies had sparked meaningful legislative change. Among them were John and Penny Clough, who campaigned successfully to reform bail legislation following the tragic murder of their daughter Jane. Also present was Figen Murray, who advocated for public safety reforms after her son Martyn Hett perished in the Manchester Arena bombing. Pooja Kanda joined the gathering having championed stricter knife crime laws after her son Ronan was fatally stabbed.

Personal Reflections from a Father

The Prime Minister, who is a father to two teenagers, shared his personal perspective on loss and resilience.

I speak as a dad – if anything happened to them, I honestly don't know whether I would have the strength to do anything about it.

He continued, expressing admiration for those who transformed grief into action.

And yet, I look around this garden, I see people who have lost their loved ones, and they have done something about it.

Sir Keir emphasized that these campaigners had created lasting change not merely for themselves, but for future generations facing similar circumstances.

And they've changed things, not just for themselves, usually not even for themselves, but for other people to make sure that they won't go through the same thing.

A Promise for the Future

The emotional impact of witnessing such determination was evident in Sir Keir's words. He assured the gathering that his commitment to these causes would endure regardless of what lay ahead in his personal and political life.

That has had a profound impact on me, and I can tell you that whatever happens next in my life, I'm never giving up on this.

He made a solemn vow to continue campaigning alongside these families for as long as he lived.

As long as I've got breath in my body, I'm going to campaign on all these issues with all of you for as long as is necessary.

The Prime Minister concluded by thanking everyone for helping to mold his approach to public service.

He thanked them "for all you've done to shape me and make me who I am in terms of the way I try to do my business".

Legacy and Transition

Sir Keir, who will formally hand over power to Andy Burnham on Monday, has been using his final days in office to highlight what he considers his key achievements. These include unwavering support for Ukraine and championing domestic campaigns such as the Hillsborough Law.

The Prime Minister said: "I leave on Monday. I leave with good grace, I leave very pleased with what we've been able to achieve in government in the two years that I've had the privilege of being prime minister.

He expressed satisfaction at delivering on promises made to many in the garden, adding one final commitment to stand alongside the campaigners he had come to know so well.

I'm pleased to have delivered on the promises that I made to many people in this garden, and I'll make this last promise, which is I will stand with you and walk with you for as long as I've got breath in my body."

European Engagement and Succession

The gathering followed Sir Keir's return from Paris, where he had attended a meeting of the "coalition of the willing" group supporting Ukraine on Monday. On Tuesday morning, he joined Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders at Bastille Day celebrations in the French capital, demonstrating the closer ties he had worked to establish with European neighbours as part of his post-Brexit strategy. In recognition of his contributions to Ukraine and European relations, Mr Macron presented Sir Keir with the Legion d'honneur. Meanwhile, Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, is now mathematically guaranteed to become the next Prime Minister. As of Tuesday, he had secured the backing of 369 Labour MPs, making it impossible for any other candidate to gather the 81 supporters needed for a late challenge. Although Catherine West withdrew from launching a challenge in May, she has since secured one nomination from fellow backbencher Neil Coyle, who explained that he always nominates a woman for leadership and had chosen to support a London MP who had expressed interest in a contest. Despite being the sole remaining candidate, Mr Burnham participated in an online hustings with Labour MPs on Monday, outlining his priorities for the nation. These included devolving power to local communities, improving economic growth across the UK, and addressing the cost of living crisis.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he said people's everyday living expenses are "the issue of our times" as he was quizzed on his plans for government.

"If we want to connect politics better with people, well, let's deal with some of the pressures people are under in terms of the everyday cost of transport, the bills that they're paying. I heard it so often on doorsteps in the campaign," he said.

"You know, life has changed for people, and it's not necessarily got better. And I think we just need to be relentlessly focused on that."