Labour manifesto launch: Sir Keir Starmer visits Halesowen

Sir Keir called in at the Yeltz bar at Halesowen Town FC to meet and thank local Labour activists and campaigners after launching the Labour Party's general election manifesto earlier today.

He gave a rousing speech, urging people to put a tick in the box for Labour on July 4 so they don't get another five years of what the party has been describing as "Conservative chaos".

After being greeted with cheers and 'Vote Labour' placards, Sir Keir outlined the party's six point plan to deliver economic stability, cut NHS waiting times, launch a new Border Security Command to smash criminal boat gangs, make Britain a clean energy super power, get tough on anti-social behaviour and recruit 6,500 new teachers.

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer holds a copy of his party’s election manifesto whilst campaigning in Halesowen (Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)

Outlining the party's manifesto, he stressed in Q&As with journalists: "We will not be raising taxes on working people so that means we won't be raising income tax, national insurance or VAT, because all of our plans are fully funded and fully costed.

"What this is is a manifesto for change to take this country forward to lift our living standards across the country, to get out NHS back on its feet and fit for the future, to harness renewable energy and get our country moving again.

"That's the choice in this election.  We're pleased to be here carrying that message to every doorstep."

Labour campaigners and supporters in front of the Labour Party battle bus parked outside the Yeltz bar in Halesowen (Image: Bev Holder/Newsquest)

In a one to one with the News, he also outlined more specifics about how he plans to improve access to GP appointments for people in the Black Country.

He said: "We will make a commitment that we will firstly ensure that we end the 8am scramble.

"We'll make sure everybody has access to a GP when they need it. If they want to see a GP in person that must be provided for.

Sir Keir Starmer talks to journalists after meeting supporters in the Yeltz bar, Halesowen (Image: Bev Holder/Newsquest)

"If alternatively they want the flexibility of seeing a GP virtually whether that's by Zoom or Teams or whatever it maybe, but not for many people who have long term conditions. Some older people like to see the GP they've been with for a long time which is completely understandable - so we need that flexibility.

"But we need to take the pressure off the health service altogether., and the only way that will happen is if we can clear the backlog of nearly eight million now on waiting lists.

"That's why one our first steps, if we come into government, is to implement our plan for 40,000 extra appointments each and every week to bring those waiting lists down...that will be two million a year to allow the health service to get back standing on its feet as a first step towards building the health service that we need for many, many years to come."