06 July 2023 , 20:45
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Keir Starmer yesterday put aspiration at the heart of the Labour Party’s plans to build back a better Britain.
The country is not just blighted by inequality of income, it is held back by inequality of opportunity too. The Labour leader is determined to smash the “class ceiling” – invisible barriers to promotion some classes face.
It was clear from the passion with which he spoke that Mr Starmer is genuine in wishing to tackle the snobbery and prejudice that prevent people from achieving their potential.
So it is disappointing the Labour leader continues to reject calls for free school meals for all primary pupils in England.
This policy has been proven to raise standards in schools for all children, regardless of their background. Despite this blind spot, it was an important and welcome speech.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
Labour’s offer to voters at the next election is starting to take shape and it will be framed around Mr Starmer’s determination that every child can fulfil their promise.
While the elitist Tories have pulled up the drawbridge, Labour is determined to tear down obstacles that hold people back.
Dirty secrets
The Covid Inquiry should not have had to go to court to obtain personal records of Boris Johnson and other senior ministers.
A government that believed in truth and transparency would have handed over these documents without question.
Instead it wasted thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money on a futile legal challenge.
If we are to learn the lessons from the pandemic, proper scrutiny of those who made the key decisions is essential. By trying to block the release of this material, the Conservatives were trying to avoid responsibility.
Sober opinion
Shops report they are selling a record amount of alcohol-free beers.
And our taste test shows some of these ales are barley different from their boozy alternatives – just as we’d hopped.