Keir Starmer was in full flow during his party conference speech when he made an unfortunate slip-up, calling for the return of “sausages” from Gaza. The prime minister had just praised his “decisive government” as one that was prepared to face the future, when he called for peace in the Middle East and the return of Israeli hostages taken during Hamas’s attack on 7 October last year.
He will set off for the UN general assembly on Tuesday, and he told the conference about the message he would take to New York.
“I call again for restraint and de-escalation at the border between Lebanon and Israel. I call again for all parties to step back from the brink. I call again for all parties to step back from the brink,” he said.
“I call again for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the return of the sausages – the hostages – and a recommitment to the two-state solution: recognised Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.”
The prime minister quickly recovered from the slip-up, which swiftly went viral. It did not appear to overshadow his message that things would get better for Britain – a country that he said was “no longer sure of itself” – if his government made difficult decisions now.
Starmer was heckled during the speech, which was also attended by the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, by an audience member over Labour’s position on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Starmer said: “And every child deserves the chance to study the creative subjects that widen their horizons, provide skills employers do value, and prepares them for the future, the jobs and the world that they will inherit.”
“But more than that. Every child, every person, deserves to be respected for the contribution they make,” he added and was then heckled.
The slip-up came at a time when the UK prime minister is facing increasing pressure over his party’s handling of the Gaza conflict, with some Labour MPs and supporters calling for a tougher stance against Israel. It also comes amid rising tensions between Israel and Lebanon, with heavy airstrikes and rocket fire exchanged in recent days.
Starmer’s speech was not the only time he has been caught off guard by an audience member during the conference. Earlier in the day, a protester shouted at him over the government’s policy on homeless veterans, before being ejected from the hall.
The gaffe is likely to be seized upon by the opposition Conservative Party, who have already been critical of Starmer’s leadership. The Conservatives have accused Starmer of being weak on foreign policy and of not taking a strong enough stance against Hamas. They are also likely to use the gaffe to highlight the divisions within the Labour Party over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Starmer’s slip-up is a reminder of the challenges facing politicians in the age of social media, where even the smallest mistake can be quickly amplified. It also highlights the difficulty of finding a balanced approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has become increasingly divisive both in the UK and internationally.
Despite the gaffe, Starmer appeared to remain confident in his message of peace and reconciliation. He said that he would be taking a “clear and consistent” message to the UN general assembly, calling for a ceasefire and a return to the two-state solution. He also reiterated his commitment to “standing up for the rights of all people, including Palestinians” and called for “a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
It remains to be seen whether Starmer’s gaffe will have a lasting impact on his premiership. However, it is clear that he is facing a difficult challenge in navigating the complex and volatile situation in the Middle East. His ability to do so will be crucial to his success as Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister’s Message
Starmer’s speech was not simply a call for peace in the Middle East. It was also a statement of his own vision for Britain, a country he believes is “no longer sure of itself”.
Starmer argued that the UK needs a government that is prepared to make tough decisions, even if they are unpopular in the short term. He said that the government needs to “face the storm” in order to create a “Britain built to last”.
He also reiterated his election promise that VAT, national insurance and income tax will not be hiked.
Starmer’s message was one of hope and optimism. He said that he believed that Britain can overcome its current challenges and build a brighter future. He called on the country to “come together” and “work together” to achieve that goal.
A Time of Change
Starmer’s speech was delivered at a time of significant change in British politics. The Labour Party is now in government for the first time since 2010, and the country is facing a number of challenges, including a cost-of-living crisis, a slowdown in economic growth, and a rise in crime. It is in this context that Starmer’s message of hope and optimism resonates with the public.
Starmer’s speech was a clear signal that he intends to be a Prime Minister who is focused on the long-term interests of the country. He is prepared to make tough decisions and to challenge the status quo. He is also a Prime Minister who believes in the power of hope and optimism.
The Gaffe and the Future
The “sausages” gaffe is a reminder that even the most experienced politicians can make mistakes. It is also a reminder that the world of politics is increasingly unforgiving, with every word and every action being scrutinized by the media and the public. However, it is also a reminder that mistakes are part of the human condition and that we all make them from time to time. The important thing is to learn from our mistakes and to move on.
Starmer’s gaffe is unlikely to have a significant impact on his premiership. He has already shown that he is capable of recovering from setbacks and of remaining focused on his goals. He is a resilient leader, and he is likely to continue to lead Britain through a period of significant change.
It remains to be seen whether Starmer will be able to deliver on his promises of a brighter future for Britain. However, his speech at the Labour Party conference has shown that he is prepared to fight for his vision for the country. It is also a reminder that he is a leader who is willing to take risks and to challenge the status quo.
