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Fact Check: Yes, Keir Starmer has broken or rowed back on a large proportion of his Labour Leadership Pledges already https://evolvepolitics.com/fact-check-yes-keir-starmer-has-broken-or-rowed-back-on-a-large-proportion-of-his-labour-leadership-pledges-already/
1) Economic Justice
Increase income tax for the top 5% of earners – ROWED BACK ON
In July, Shadow Minister Rachel Reeves refused to back Keir Starmer’s promise to increase tax on people earning over £80,000 – stating that the party needed to “reassess” the policy. https://twitter.com/bbcpolitics/status/1282238727784411136?s=21
In July, Shadow Minister Rachel Reeves refused to back Keir Starmer’s promise to increase tax on people earning over £80,000 – stating that the party needed to “reassess” the policy. https://twitter.com/bbcpolitics/status/1282238727784411136?s=21
Furthermore, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, Anneliese Dodds, appeared to distance herself from the policy altogether – saying that such a Wealth Tax “would only be needed if we are not growing our way out of this crisis“. https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/labour-says-it-is-not-calling-for-tax-rises-to-pay-for-coronavirus-recovery-spending
In response to criticism over the party’s apparent backtracking, Keir Starmer’s spokesperson said the Labour leader still stood by his commitment to raise taxes on the top 5% of earners, but refused to confirm whether or not it would be included in the party’s next manifesto.
Starmer's spokesman said:
“Keir made those commitments during the leadership campaign, but we’re four years out from a general election and the next manifesto will set out our full tax policy at the time.”
“Keir made those commitments during the leadership campaign, but we’re four years out from a general election and the next manifesto will set out our full tax policy at the time.”
Adding:
“Keir stands by the commitments he made during the leadership election, but in terms of our final tax plans they’ll be set out at the next election in the manifesto.”
“Keir stands by the commitments he made during the leadership election, but in terms of our final tax plans they’ll be set out at the next election in the manifesto.”
Reverse the Tories’ cuts in corporation tax – ROWED BACK ON
The Labour leader’s office also confirmed in September that the party would not support any rises in Corporation Tax or Capital Gains Tax in the Autumn Budget. https://leftfootforward.org/2020/09/labour-opposes-rise-in-corporation-tax-in-autumn-budget/
The Labour leader’s office also confirmed in September that the party would not support any rises in Corporation Tax or Capital Gains Tax in the Autumn Budget. https://leftfootforward.org/2020/09/labour-opposes-rise-in-corporation-tax-in-autumn-budget/
Clamp Down on Tax Avoidance – QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
In April it was revealed that one of Keir Starmer’s key election donors was Trevor Chinn – a multi-millionaire who not only opposes tax rises for the rich, has also defended tax avoidance measures.
https://citywire.co.uk/wealth-manager/news/call-not-to-hammer-the-super-rich-with-taxes/a315788/print?section=wealth-manager
In April it was revealed that one of Keir Starmer’s key election donors was Trevor Chinn – a multi-millionaire who not only opposes tax rises for the rich, has also defended tax avoidance measures.
https://citywire.co.uk/wealth-manager/news/call-not-to-hammer-the-super-rich-with-taxes/a315788/print?section=wealth-manager
No stepping back from our core principles – QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Given that the party already have rowed back on Keir Starmer’s key economic pledges, it is fair to say that Labour have stepped back from the core economic principles it held during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.
Given that the party already have rowed back on Keir Starmer’s key economic pledges, it is fair to say that Labour have stepped back from the core economic principles it held during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.
2) Social Justice
Abolish Universal Credit – PLEDGE KEPT
In September, Labour’s Shadow DWP Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, confirmed in an article that it was still the party’s commitment to scrap Universal Credit and replace it with a “safety net that works for all“. https://www.politicshome.com/thehouse/article/scrap-universal-credit-and-replace-it-with-a-system-that-offers-a-safety-net-for-all
In September, Labour’s Shadow DWP Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, confirmed in an article that it was still the party’s commitment to scrap Universal Credit and replace it with a “safety net that works for all“. https://www.politicshome.com/thehouse/article/scrap-universal-credit-and-replace-it-with-a-system-that-offers-a-safety-net-for-all
End Benefits Sanctions – UNCONFIRMED BUT LOOKS POSITIVE
Whilst Labour do not appear to have commited themselves to abolishing Benefit Sanctions entirely since April, the Shadow DWP Secretary has called on the Tories to extend the benefit sanctions suspension during the pandemic.
Whilst Labour do not appear to have commited themselves to abolishing Benefit Sanctions entirely since April, the Shadow DWP Secretary has called on the Tories to extend the benefit sanctions suspension during the pandemic.
Invest in Services that Help Shift to a Preventation Approach – QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
In June, Keir Starmer described the Black Lives Matter policy to “Defund The Police” – which calls for the reallocation of policing funding towards preventative measures – as “nonsense“.
In June, Keir Starmer described the Black Lives Matter policy to “Defund The Police” – which calls for the reallocation of policing funding towards preventative measures – as “nonsense“.
Despite issuing an apology over a separate flippant comment he made during the same interview, the Labour leader has still not clarified his position on the reallocation of funds towards preventative measures in order to tackle crime.
Stand Up for Universal Services & the NHS – PLEDGE KEPT
Keir Starmer has repeatedly stood up for the NHS during the ongoing pandemic – saying that after the crisis had passed there would need to be a reckoning regarding pay towards our “underpaid and undervalued” NHS staff.
Keir Starmer has repeatedly stood up for the NHS during the ongoing pandemic – saying that after the crisis had passed there would need to be a reckoning regarding pay towards our “underpaid and undervalued” NHS staff.
He also cites the NHS in his Conference speech - slamming the Tories' “underfunding of the NHS, the abandonment of social care and the lack of investment in prevention” as well as mentioning “properly funded universal public services” as a key priority. https://labour.org.uk/press/full-text-of-keir-starmers-speech-at-labour-connected/
Support the Abolition of Tuition Fees and Lifelong Learning – PLEDGE KEPT
Labour Shadow Education Secretary, Kate Green, confirmed Labour will maintain their policies to abolish Tuition Fees and create a National Education Service for Lifelong Learning. https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/labour-party-still-committed-scrapping-tuition-national-education-service-653830
Labour Shadow Education Secretary, Kate Green, confirmed Labour will maintain their policies to abolish Tuition Fees and create a National Education Service for Lifelong Learning. https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/labour-party-still-committed-scrapping-tuition-national-education-service-653830
3) Climate Justice
Put the Green New Deal at the heart of everything we do – QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Starmer has already rowed back on the pledge to some extent after refusing to commit to the current Labour policy of net carbon neutrality by 2030. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/keir-starmer-net-zero-target-2030-labour-climate-change-a9586971.html
Starmer has already rowed back on the pledge to some extent after refusing to commit to the current Labour policy of net carbon neutrality by 2030. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/keir-starmer-net-zero-target-2030-labour-climate-change-a9586971.html
A Clean Air Act to tackle pollution locally – PLEDGE KEPT
Keir Starmer had been talking about introducing a Clean Air Act for years before he became Labour leader – and also reportedly reiterated his commitment to the policy at conference in September. https://www.endsreport.com/article/1694999/labour-party-conference-starmer-pledges-new-clean-air-act
Keir Starmer had been talking about introducing a Clean Air Act for years before he became Labour leader – and also reportedly reiterated his commitment to the policy at conference in September. https://www.endsreport.com/article/1694999/labour-party-conference-starmer-pledges-new-clean-air-act
It must also be noted, however, that Starmer recently encountered personal criticism over his commitment to climate change after it was revealed that he drives a gas-guzzling SUV. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/nov/01/who-needs-suvs-dear-keir-walk-to-the-tailor-next-time
4) Promote Peace & Human Rights
No more illegal wars – QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Starmer has not yet started any illegal wars.
However, one of his first moves as leader was to appoint John Healey as Shadow Defence Secretary. Healey consistently voted for the illegal Iraq War and against investigations into it.
Starmer has not yet started any illegal wars.
However, one of his first moves as leader was to appoint John Healey as Shadow Defence Secretary. Healey consistently voted for the illegal Iraq War and against investigations into it.
Introduce a Prevention of Military Intervention Act and put human rights at the heart of foreign policy – BROKEN
In terms his pledge to put “human rights at the heart of foreign policy“, Starmer backtracked after ordering Labour MPs not to oppose the Overseas Operations Bill.
In terms his pledge to put “human rights at the heart of foreign policy“, Starmer backtracked after ordering Labour MPs not to oppose the Overseas Operations Bill.
The Overseas Operations Bill effectively makes it legal for British troops to use torture against opponents.
Starmer also sacked 3 members of the Shadow Cabinet – Nadia Whittome, Beth Winter and Olivia Blake – for breaking the whip to vote against it. https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/decriminalise-torture-british-army-iraq-war-overseas-operations-bill-a9572931.html
Starmer also sacked 3 members of the Shadow Cabinet – Nadia Whittome, Beth Winter and Olivia Blake – for breaking the whip to vote against it. https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/decriminalise-torture-british-army-iraq-war-overseas-operations-bill-a9572931.html
Starmer also encountered criticism after backtracking on Labour’s policy towards Kashmir by refusing to support self-determination for the Kashmiri people – a shift which led to over 100 mosques and UK Islamic centres threatening to boycott the party. https://novaramedia.com/2020/05/22/the-rage-in-birmingham-is-unreal-keir-starmers-position-on-kashmir-will-damage-the-labour-party/
The Labour leader has also refused to support the party's current policy of sanctions against Israel if they break international law by annexing yet more Palestinian territory. https://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/keir-starmer-opposes-annexation-but-refuses-to-be-drawn-on-sanctions/
Review all UK arms sales and make us a force for international peace and justice – QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Since Starmer became leader in April, Labour have repeatedly called on the government to review arms sales. https://labour.org.uk/press/govt-resumes-sale-of-arms-to-saudi-arabia-thornberry-responds/
Since Starmer became leader in April, Labour have repeatedly called on the government to review arms sales. https://labour.org.uk/press/govt-resumes-sale-of-arms-to-saudi-arabia-thornberry-responds/
Labour's Shadow Minister for Peace and Disarmament, Fabian Hamilton, has also called on the government to re-establish the Parliamentary Committee on arms export controls. https://labourlist.org/2020/06/labour-demands-return-of-arms-exports-scrutiny/
However, Starmer’s positions on the Overseas Operations Bill, on Kashmir, and on Israeli sanctions, are clearly contrary to his pledge to make the party a “force for international peace and justice“.
5) Common Ownership
Support common ownership of rail, mail, energy and water; – ROWED BACK ON
Shadow Foreign Secretary, Lisa Nandy, refused to back Starmer’s pledge to nationalise Rail, Mail, Energy and Water – stating public ownership was simply “one way” of doing things. https://twitter.com/siennamarla/status/1308330048324337665
Shadow Foreign Secretary, Lisa Nandy, refused to back Starmer’s pledge to nationalise Rail, Mail, Energy and Water – stating public ownership was simply “one way” of doing things. https://twitter.com/siennamarla/status/1308330048324337665
Immediately following Nandy’s comments, Keir Starmer then failed to make any mention whatsoever of common ownership, nationalisation, public ownership or ending privatisation in his keynote Conference Speech. https://labour.org.uk/press/full-text-of-keir-starmers-speech-at-labour-connected/
In a question and answer session with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Starmer refused to commit to the party’s current policy of nationalising BT Openreach – instead simply declaring that Labour would be “pro-business” under his leadership. https://twitter.com/CBItweets/status/1323238544064847873?s=20
Keir Starmer has also been criticised over his lacklustre response to the Tories’ extraordinarily shady practice of outsourcing multi-million pound contracts to party donors. https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/coroanvirus-deaths-boris-johnson-keir-starmer-labour-opposition-a9553031.html
6) Defend Migrants’ Rights
An immigration system based on compassion and dignity – BROKEN
Keir Starmer faced a “revolt” of Labour members in August after he refused to defend migrants crossing the channel – with critics claiming he was “turning a blind eye” to desperate people. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/keir-starmer-channel-crossings-labour-revolt-refugees-migrants-a9682061.html
Keir Starmer faced a “revolt” of Labour members in August after he refused to defend migrants crossing the channel – with critics claiming he was “turning a blind eye” to desperate people. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/keir-starmer-channel-crossings-labour-revolt-refugees-migrants-a9682061.html
Rather than defending the rights of migrants to claim asylum in Britain – which is enshrined in the UN Refugee Convention – the Labour front bench merely criticsed the government’s “incompetence” in dealing with migrants arriving on Britain’s shores.
The soft-left Open Labour group called on Starmer to “join us in condemning the government, and campaigning for an immigration system that advances the rights of all working people“, whilst Momentum called on him to “end his silence on the scapegoating of refugees and migrants“.
7) Strengthen Workers’ Rights and Trade Unions
Work should to shoulder with trade unions to stand up for working people, tackle insecure work and low pay – BROKEN
Under Starmer, Labour have repeatedly opposed Teaching Unions regarding whether or not schools should be be open amid the pandemic. https://tribunemag.co.uk/2020/05/the-labour-rights-renewed-attack-on-unions
Under Starmer, Labour have repeatedly opposed Teaching Unions regarding whether or not schools should be be open amid the pandemic. https://tribunemag.co.uk/2020/05/the-labour-rights-renewed-attack-on-unions
Leaked briefings also showed the leadership thought Teaching Unions were acting as a “barrier” to kids and their education, and described how sacked Shadow Education Secretary, Rebecca Long-Bailey, had failed to “stand up to the National Education Union“. https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/editorial-labours-anti-union-briefings-show-starmer-out-touch
In June, Labour ignored Union advice on the two-metre rule by supporting the government’s relaxtion of social distancing measures. https://leftfootforward.org/2020/06/why-did-starmer-ignore-trade-unions-on-the-one-metre-rule/
In October, Britain’s largest Trade Union, Unite, voted to cut their funding to Labour by around £1m in response to the party’s rightward direction under Starmer. https://news.sky.com/story/unite-cuts-funding-to-labour-party-by-1m-following-warning-to-sir-keir-starmer-12098095
And, just this week, seven Labour-affiliated Trade Unions issued a joint statement condemning the Labour leadership’s decision to suspend Jeremy Corbyn over his response to the EHRC report into antisemitism. https://labourlist.org/2020/10/exclusive-unions-release-joint-statement-on-labour-suspension-of-corbyn/
Given the overwhelming evidence, it’s fair to say that Keir Starmer has well and truly annihilated his promise to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Trade Unions during the last seven months.
8) Radical Devolution of Power, Wealth and Opportunity
Push power, wealth and opportunity away from Whitehall – QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
Starmer was criticised after appearing to oppose the very principle of devolution in regards to all four nations being allowed to have separate Coronavirus policies: https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/sir-keir-starmer-why-we-cant-have-four-nations-pulling-different-directions-2974414
Starmer was criticised after appearing to oppose the very principle of devolution in regards to all four nations being allowed to have separate Coronavirus policies: https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/sir-keir-starmer-why-we-cant-have-four-nations-pulling-different-directions-2974414
However, in a recent interview with Huff Post, Starmer called for powers to be devolved to local mayors and council chiefs regarding regional lockdowns and Test and Trace. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/keir-starmer-local-lockdown-mayor-powers-nhs-test-trace_uk_5f7631abc5b66377b27f3fdc
9) Equality
Pull down obstacles that limit opportunities and talent – BROKEN
In June, Keir Starmer dismissed the Black Lives Matter movement as simply “a moment” and said the organisation’s demand to reallocate police funding to preventative measures was “nonsense“. https://twitter.com/DawnButlerBrent/status/1277724273365471244?s=20
In June, Keir Starmer dismissed the Black Lives Matter movement as simply “a moment” and said the organisation’s demand to reallocate police funding to preventative measures was “nonsense“. https://twitter.com/DawnButlerBrent/status/1277724273365471244?s=20
In the same month it was revealed that Keir Starmer had reportedly set up a ‘diversity review panel’ which consisted entirely of white people – with Labour BAME staff said to be furious about it https://skwawkbox.org/2020/06/11/excl-starmers-diversity-panel-so-far-set-to-be-all-white-and-partys-most-senior-bame-employee-sidelined/
Starmer has also been accused of dismissing anti-black racism within the party, with many accusing him of “whitewashing” the explosive Labour leaks documents. https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/labour-leaks-report-antisemitism-racism-diane-abbott-butler-a9468521.html
The Labour leader has also encountered criticism for his refusal to condemn Labour MP Rosie Duffield regarding her repeated transphobic comments – with Labour’s official LGBT+ affiliate calling on him to take action against her, as yet to no avail. https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/08/06/keir-starmer-transphobia-rosie-duffield-labour-campaign-transgender-rights-torr-robinson/
Since the criticism from LGBT+ Labour, Starmer has made just a single statement on the issue – in which he refused to condemn Duffield’s comments and simply called on those involved to “detoxify this discussion“. https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/10/16/keir-starmer-transphobia-labour-party-rosie-duffield-gender-recognition-act/
Despite Starmer repeatedly promising to take a “zero-tolerance” approach to antisemitism, he has so far refused to take action against two MPs – Barry Sheerman and Steve Reed – over clearly antisemitic comments, both of which broke the IHRA definition and the party's rulebook.
Starmer took no action against Reed after he described the Jewish businessman, Richard Desmond, as "the puppet master for the entire Tory cabinet". https://skwawkbox.org/2020/07/06/breaking-starmer-tells-reed-no-action-over-complaints-re-reeds-puppet-master-and-israeli-billionaire-tweets-as-reed-deletes-tweet-praising-action-vs-long-bailey/
And less than a month later, Starmer failed to take action against Labour MP Barry Sheerman after he appeared to link two Jewish businessmen to "silver shekels".
10) Effective Opposition to the Tories
Forensic, effective opposition to the Tories in Parliament – BROKEN
Whilst Starmer has clearly been forensic in his approach, the Labour leader has encountered relentless criticism, from all sides of the political spectrum, for his astonishingly agreeable approach to opposition.
Whilst Starmer has clearly been forensic in his approach, the Labour leader has encountered relentless criticism, from all sides of the political spectrum, for his astonishingly agreeable approach to opposition.
As soon as he was announced as Labour leader, Starmer declared he would not 'oppose the government for opposition’s sake’.
He has also categorically stated he would support “whatever measures the government takes” to deal with the ongoing pandemic. https://labourlist.org/2020/09/sunday-shows-labour-will-back-whatever-measures-the-government-takes-on-covid-says-starmer/
He has also categorically stated he would support “whatever measures the government takes” to deal with the ongoing pandemic. https://labourlist.org/2020/09/sunday-shows-labour-will-back-whatever-measures-the-government-takes-on-covid-says-starmer/
Despite the Tories presiding one of the highest Coronavirus death tolls in the world, the Labour leader genuinely praised the government for their “amazing Coronavirus response”. https://www.indy100.com/article/coronavirus-keir-starmer-pmqs-labour-dominic-raab-government-opposition-9491636
Starmer also sent a secret letter to Boris Johnson promising to oppose Teaching Unions by supporting the Tories’ widely-derided stance of sending kids and teachers back to school during the ongoing pandemic. https://skwawkbox.org/2020/09/02/exclusive-starmer-sent-secret-letter-promising-johnson-support-for-school-return-5-weeks-before-sacking-long-bailey-from-education-brief/
Starmer has also forced his MPs to abstain on all manner of horrific Tory legislation – including a bill which hands the government sweeping powers to authorise state actors to commit criminal acts – including rape & murder – against political opponents. https://evolvepolitics.com/the-tories-have-passed-a-bill-giving-the-government-powers-to-legally-murder-their-political-opponents-yes-seriously/
Indeed, Starmer’s incredibly cosy relationship with the Tories has even prompted Alastair Campbell, of all people, to accuse him of doing a weak job. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/22/coronavirus-deaths-labour-criticise-government-starmer
And, perhaps most damningly of all, Starmer was ripped to shreds by the entire cast of Gogglebox: https://twitter.com/BenJolly9/status/1309766414006398979?s=20
Unite our party – ABSOLUTELY OBLITERATED
Since becoming leader, it's undeniable that Starmer has done the very opposite of uniting the party.
Whilst they were clearly hugely divided for the whole of Jeremy Corbyn’s 5-year tenure, Starmer’s actions have only compounded things.
Since becoming leader, it's undeniable that Starmer has done the very opposite of uniting the party.
Whilst they were clearly hugely divided for the whole of Jeremy Corbyn’s 5-year tenure, Starmer’s actions have only compounded things.
From the hugely controversial decision to sack his main leadership rival from the Shadow Cabinet, to ordering MPs to abstain on horrific Tory legislation, Starmer has consistently alienated both Labour members and MPs by pouring petrol on the flames of an already raging inferno.
And now, after the party’s extraordinary decision to suspend Starmer’s predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn – a man who still holds both huge affection and support amongst the membership – union leaders have warned the party is being pushed into brink of civil war. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/nov/01/keir-starmer-accused-starting-labour-civil-war-corbyn-suspension-antisemitism
Conclusion
Whilst it's clearly impossible to objectively measure some of Keir Starmer’s pledges due to the fact he's in opposition rather than in power, there's absolutely no question he has either broken or rowed back on a large proportion of his leadership promises already.
Whilst it's clearly impossible to objectively measure some of Keir Starmer’s pledges due to the fact he's in opposition rather than in power, there's absolutely no question he has either broken or rowed back on a large proportion of his leadership promises already.
