Sir Keir Starmer is to announce a cash injection of £800m to rejuvenate the most deprived communities, which he admits have been “undermined by political neglect”.
The extra investment forms part of the existing Pride in Place programme, aimed at addressing the sense of isolation in deprived communities, which Labour insiders believe is feeding the rise of Reform UK.
The new money will benefit 40 communities with up to £20m of support for projects like cleaning up town centres and boosting youth services or sports facilities.
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In a speech on Thursday, the prime minister will say it is part of a renewal of communities across the country.
“We’ve got to reverse the devastating decline in our communities.” Sir Keir will say. “We’ve got to give power, agency and control to the very people who want to improve their community.
“This is what our Pride in Place programme is about – because pride is the social glue, the force that holds together a community and a country.”
Sir Keir will also argue that, amid a cost-of-living crisis, a strong society is vital.
“Any country that cannot keep its high streets alive, it’s bills down and it’s people feeling respected, will struggle to meet the test of our times,” he will add.
“So we must strengthen our society, because it is vital for the future of this country.”
Sir Keir will argue that Britain, the “greatest country in the world”, is “stronger as a tolerant, decent and respectful country”, but he will also admit that the country has been “undermined by those who seek to sow division”.
“Britain has been undermined by political neglect, the scorched earth of Tory austerity,” Sir Keir will say.
“In towns across Britain, the same story, high streets, youth clubs – the places that shape a life – that bring different people together, that create the bonds of memory and pride – they were just abandoned.”
Sir Keir will describe, in what some will see as recognition of the threat from Reform UK, that “politics in this dangerous era is no longer about left and right, but a contest between renewal and grievance”.
“We are bound by values, by common endeavour and by responsibilities we owe to one another as partners in the project of this great nation.
“I believe in our way of doing things. That in a world that increasingly preys on weakness, I believe Britain is stronger as a tolerant, decent and respectful country.”
A Conservative spokesperson said in response: “It’s hard to overstate the absurdity of Keir Starmer making a speech about values and decency the day after he admitted appointing an ambassador who had remained friends with a convicted paedophile.
“The prime minister’s authority is shot. He no longer speaks for the Labour Party, let alone the country. Only the Conservatives have a plan to sort out our country, and the team and experience to ensure we get Britain working again.”
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