UK election results live: Starmer promises less 'noisy' government in first address - as cabinet to be named (2024)

Sir Keir Starmer struck a bolder tone in his first speech as prime minister than he did in much of his campaign, says ourdeputy political editorSam Coates.

The Labour leader addressed the nation outside 10 Downing Street after winning a landslide victory that signalled the end to 14 years of Conservative government in the UK.

Sir Keir promised his administration will "rebuild Britain" and outlined several pledges, including bringing the NHS "back on its feet" and securing the country's borders.

"As our new prime minister promised to navigate to calmer waters, I think he interestingly struck a bolder tone than in some parts of the election campaign," Sam says.

"As he talked, he essentially gave a promise to the millions who he said had grown into greater insecurity - the nurses and the drivers.

"There was a promise, one that will be quite hard to carry off, to make their lives better. He said it won't be quick, it'll take a while, but that was his bond to the people in that opening address."

The sea of flags that greeted Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street was reminiscent of the scenes in 1997 when Tony Blair was elected.

Crowds lined Downing Street for the arrival of the UK's new prime minister, and a woman passed along the crowd dishing out Union, Welsh, and Scottish flags to the waiting supporters.

Our political editor Beth Rigby says the flags "represent what Starmer wants to say, which is he is a PM that will govern for everyone", including "those who didn't support him".

Sir Keir Starmer arrived smiling and shaking hands with supporters, as they waved British flags and those of the UK's nations.

The 58th prime minister walked hand in hand with his wife, Victoria, meeting activists until he reached the lectern.

In his first speech to the public, he talked of unity, winning back trust and getting on with the job at hand.

Then there was the classic photograph of the new tenants of Number 10 outside its iconic front door.

And another familiar shot of the incoming prime minister with staffers clapping, as he made his first steps inside the building.

Within minutes of walking through the door at Number 10, Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be ushered into his first security briefing.

But what happens in that briefing?

Among the first things that Sir Keir will have to do is choose what happens in the event of a nuclear attack, says ourdeputy political editorSam Coates.

"Within a matter of minutes of entering that black door, he has to make monumental decisions about life and death," he says.

"Right now, Keir Starmer is being asked to choose what happens in the event of a nuclear attack and to make other key decisions about Britain's national security future, a nuclear deterrent."

One of the decisions the PM is expected to make is "whether or not to retaliate" as well as two other big national security decisions that aren't known and "have never leaked".

There were tears in the crowd as he spoke, and Sir Keir Starmer himself was emotional as he greeted activists, sayspolitical editorBeth Rigby.

"It felt joyful," she says.

"It felt like the end of one era and the ushering in of another. It felt optimistic, and I think it spoke to the grievances of the country."

In his first speech as prime minister, he was "trying to say to the public: 'I get you, and I hear you'".

Starmer's 'sense of urgency'

He began very statesmanlike, says Beth, with "no politics of division".

"This was all about bringing people together."

The "most emotive part of the speech" was when he tried to talk directly to voters, saying the UK should be better for their children.

It wasn't about party politics, it wasn't celebratory, it was "humble".

Sir Keir sought to speak to the grievances and disillusionment people are feeling about politicians - but there was also a "sense of urgency" about getting on with the job.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer tells the country that Labour has been given a "clear mandate" - which the party will use to "deliver change".

In an apparent dig at the record of the Tories in government, he says this will "end the era of noisy performance, tread more lightly on your lives, and unite our country".

Sir Keir adds: "Four nations standing together again, facing down as we have so often in our past the challenges of an insecure world, committed to a calm and patient rebuilding.

"So, with respect and humility I invite you all to join this government of service.

"Our work is urgent, and we begin it today."

Watch speech in full

Sir Keir Starmer says work to bring change to the country will begin "immediately".

He promises his party will "rebuild Britain" with "wealth created in every community".

The Labour leader then outlines a series of Labour pledges, including bringing the NHS "back on its feet", cutting energy bills and securing the country's borders.

Sir Keir says "many" people would disagree that the Britain of today will be better for their children.

"My government will fight every day until you believe again," he says.

PM appeals to non-Labour voters

Sir Keir dedicated some of his address to those who didn't back Labour.

"Whether you voted Labour or not - in fact especially if you did not - I say to you directly, my government will serve you," he says.

"Politics can be a force for good. We will show that."

The PM says "for too long now, we have turned a blind eye as millions slid into greater insecurity" - highlighting the struggles of nurses, builders, and carers.

"Recognised at moments like this before," he notes, "yet as soon as the cameras stop rolling, their lives are ignored.

"I want to say very clearly to those people: Not this time."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is now delivering his first speech as prime minister - minutes after being appointed by the King.

At a podium in front of cheering crowds of Labour staff and supporters, Sir Keir says simply: "Thank you."

The prime minister then thanks his predecessor Rishi Sunak, hailing his achievement as the first British-Asian prime minister of the UK.

"Now our country has voted decisively for change, for national renewal and a return of politics to public service," he says.

"We need to move forward together."

He adds that this "wound, this lack of trust can only be healed by actions - not words - I know that".

"But we can make a start today," Sir Keir says.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is outside Number 10, where he is about to deliver his first speech in the top job - minutes after being appointed by the King.

He stops to shake hands with those gathered on Downing Street waving the Union Flag, and gives a few hugs to cheering supporters.

A flag-waving crowd is waiting outside Downing Street for Sir Keir Starmer - in scenes (perhaps consciously?) reminiscent of Tony Blair's arrival in 1997.

Sir Keir has officially become the 58th prime minister of the UK, and is expected to make a speech outside Number 10 within minutes.

Cheering could be heard as the Labour leader left Buckingham Palace.