Keir Starmer Gives Sparkling Keynote Speech Following A Glitterbombing
Keir Starmer gave a sparkling keynote speech at the Labour conference in Liverpool today after a protester stormed the stage and doused the Labour leader in glitter. The activist, identified as 28-year-old Yaz Ashmawi, took control of the microphone, shouting, "True democracy is citizen-led; politics needs an update."
Ashmawi, a member of People Demand Democracy, was quickly removed from the stage by security and arrested by Merseyside Police on suspicion of assault, breach of the peace, and causing public nuisance. People Demand Democracy is advocating for an overhaul of the UK political system, calling for a fair, proportional voting system for Westminster elections and a permanent, legally-binding national House of Citizens, selected by a democratic lottery.
Despite the disruption, Sir Keir remained composed and brushed off the glitter from his suit jacket and addressed the audience with resilience, stating, "If he thinks that bothers me, he doesn't know me. Protest or power. That's why we changed our party conference. That's why we changed our party." His calm response to the disruption was met by applause from the other members of his party in attendance.
In his speech, Sir Keir outlined his vision for a "decade of national renewal" under Labour, emphasising the need to heal the wounds caused by 13 years of Conservative rule. He pledged to modernise the UK's planning system, promote house-building, and prioritise working people's interests.
The incident raised concerns about security at the Labour Party conference, with questions about how the protester managed to get so close to the opposition leader. People Demand Democracy reiterated their call for political reform through civil disobedience, claiming responsibility for the disruption.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges political leaders face during key speeches at conferences, as similar disruptions have occurred in the past, including Greenpeace interrupting Liz Truss last year and an attempt to hand Theresa May a fake P45 in 2017. Despite the glittery setback, Sir Keir remains determined to lead Labour toward a brighter future.
