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Labour Leader speaks to Banbury FM during visit to Swerford
02/07/2024
The Horton maternity service, housing and a changed Labour party were discussed
The Labour Leader, Sir Keir Starmer, visited the Banbury constituency yesterday afternoon ahead of Thursday’s General Election.
The man who is hoping to be the next Prime Minister rallied Labour Party activists at Heath Farm in Swerford in support of Sean Woodcock’s General Election campaign. He was accompanied by the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachael Reeves, and Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones.
Speaking exclusively to Banbury FM and the Banbury Guardian Sir Keir noted the position with the downgraded maternity service at the Horton General Hospital. He pointed out that if Labour were in power and Sean Woodcock was on the government benches he was confident that Sean would be “in his ear” to ensure the situation was resolved.
Sir Keir said: “I am very concerned about maternity provision, as I think anybody living here or living in the region would be and we absolutely need to make sure that it is restored and is the service that people would expect and not just expect but are entitled to.”
The Labour Leader addressed the need for new homes whilst protecting the countryside.
He said: “I think brown field sites will provide for almost all that we need. In some cases there is already building on the green belt, it’s just at the moment it’s the wild west with developers deciding where the buildings are going, and without the schools and the infrastructure and the health support that is needed. That is, I think, what people are absolutely and understandably concerned about.
“We will work with communities, but I am determined that we will start to build houses, do it at speed and make sure that the dream of home ownership is alive again for young people.”
The various guises of the Banbury constituency have been a Conservative stronghold since 1922. Sir Keir directly addressed those local voters who have never voted Labour before.
He said: “We are a changed Labour Party, absolutely laser focused on country first, party second with a strong manifesto for wealth creation and growth, which is centred on aspiration – the sense that if you want to get on as an individual, or as a family, or a community, or indeed as a country, then this is a manifesto for you.
“So I would say directly to people who may not have voted labour before … if you share that aspiration, and if you too want the country to be put first and party politics to be put second, then this changed Labour Party is a party you can put your trust and confidence in.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam