we'll be taking you live to the west midlands this hour — that's where the labour leader sir keir starmer is set to launch the party's local election campaign, alongside his deputy leader angela rayner. elections are taking place in 107 local authorities across england on the 2nd of may. with labourfar ahead in national opinion polls, many conservatives are likely braced for a bad night on 2 may. voters will go to the polls to choose councillors in more than 100 local authorities, as well as 11 mayors, 37 police and crime commissioners, and london assembly members. the labour launch comes after the leaders of the conservatives and liberal demoracts kicked off their campaigns last week. these off their campaigns last week. are the live pictures again these are the live pictures once again from the west midlands where the labour deputy leader angela rayner is addressing the crowd. before i pass on to keir starmer let me say this, i know that some would listen to my speech today will feel that twinge of scepticism in the back of their throat and in part thatis back of their throat and in part that is because we have a prime minister who is the political equivalent of that friend who says that they will get the first round in but when yet the bar there is nowhere to be seen. that scepticism can pass and be replaced to hope for the future. so, you have my word today that we won't make promises that we won't keep, you can believe that we won't keep, you can believe that we won't keep, you can believe that we are serious about fundamentally shifting the way britain is governed. we seek power so we can hand it back to the people. that is the labour way. it belongs to them not us. more of the same isn't good enough, three word slogans, empty promises broken as quickly as made, leaping from crisis to crisis, driven by vested interests, cronies, oligarchs and lobbyists who have had more say over the shape of the last decade than working families. never again. applause we could now be a month away from the reset of a nation. 0n the 2nd of may the country has a chance to send the tories a clear message, put an end to the chaos and failure visible in every community up and down the country. sewage in our streams, crime on the streets, mortgages and rents are sky high, it is time for change on the 2nd of may. we use to say the labour party is a moral crusade or it is nothing. i am telling you now that my moral crusade is to fight for working people who built this land so they will benefit again from the wealth that they create. applause i am delighted and proud to be joined in this crusade by our leader and the man who does always get his round in. i give you our leader, future prime minister keir starmer. applause thank you. thank you all for that warm _ thank you. thank you all for that warm reception, it is fantastic to see you — warm reception, it is fantastic to see you all— warm reception, it is fantastic to see you all here in this room today. thank— see you all here in this room today. thank you _ see you all here in this room today. thank you angela, happy birthday. what _ thank you angela, happy birthday. what a _ thank you angela, happy birthday. what a treat we put up for her. and some _ what a treat we put up for her. and some advice — what a treat we put up for her. and some advice for all of you if you are thinking of getting in around with her. — are thinking of getting in around with her, don't be tempted by her favourite — with her, don't be tempted by her favourite drink, the venom cocktail or you _ favourite drink, the venom cocktail or you will — favourite drink, the venom cocktail or you will live to regret it. thank you richard — or you will live to regret it. thank you richard for your introduction, we are _ you richard for your introduction, we are so— you richard for your introduction, we are so excited about the vision you have — we are so excited about the vision you have for— we are so excited about the vision you have for the west midlands. and as we _ you have for the west midlands. and as we said _ you have for the west midlands. and as we said it— you have for the west midlands. and as we said it is great to be here in dudiey— as we said it is great to be here in dudiey to — as we said it is great to be here in dudley to launch labour's local election— dudley to launch labour's local election campaign. the path to changing — election campaign. the path to changing britain, to national rehewai_ changing britain, to national renewal starts and begins here. applause and you can take it from me, we are not playing _ and you can take it from me, we are not playing for a draw, we are looking — not playing for a draw, we are looking to _ not playing for a draw, we are looking to win in dudley, looking to win in— looking to win in dudley, looking to win in the _ looking to win in dudley, looking to win in the west midlands, right across— win in the west midlands, right across the country from hastings to hartlepool, are changed labour party on the _ hartlepool, are changed labour party on the march, on your side, returned to the _ on the march, on your side, returned to the service — on the march, on your side, returned to the service of working people. applause but look, i do have to be honest, i was hoping — but look, i do have to be honest, i was hoping we would be launching a different— was hoping we would be launching a different election campaign here today, _ different election campaign here today, but the prime minister bottted — today, but the prime minister bottled it. he once won last drawn out summertour bottled it. he once won last drawn out summer tour with his beloved helicopter — out summer tour with his beloved helicopter. so we need to send him another— helicopter. so we need to send him another message, show his party once a-ain another message, show his party once again that _ another message, show his party once again that their time is up. the dithering — again that their time is up. the dithering must stop, the date must be set _ dithering must stop, the date must be set. britain wants change and it is time _ be set. britain wants change and it is time for— be set. britain wants change and it is time for change with labour. applause because the choice at these collections is exactly the same as it witt— collections is exactly the same as it will be — collections is exactly the same as it will be later this year, stability with labour or more chaos with the _ stability with labour or more chaos with the tories. unity or division. rehewat— with the tories. unity or division. rehewat or— with the tories. unity or division. renewal or decline. a changed labour party ready— renewal or decline. a changed labour party ready to serve the interests of working — party ready to serve the interests of working people or a conservative party— of working people or a conservative party that _ of working people or a conservative party that has forgotten how to serve _ party that has forgotten how to serve anything other than itself. and we — serve anything other than itself. and we can all see the consequences, their failure _ and we can all see the consequences, their failure is visible and we can all see the consequences, theirfailure is visible in and we can all see the consequences, their failure is visible in every community in britain. the sewage in our rivers. _ community in britain. the sewage in our rivers, the ambulances that don't _ our rivers, the ambulances that don't come, the school is crumbling over our— don't come, the school is crumbling over our children's heads. mortgage and rent _ over our children's heads. mortgage and rent through the roof and now on top of— and rent through the roof and now on top of this, _ and rent through the roof and now on top of this, your council tax rising and a _ top of this, your council tax rising and a tory— top of this, your council tax rising and a tory stealth tax coming to your— and a tory stealth tax coming to your letterbox, £300 per household. and they— your letterbox, £300 per household. and they hope you won't notice. in fact, _ and they hope you won't notice. in fact, they— and they hope you won't notice. in fact, they tell you that they are putting — fact, they tell you that they are putting your taxes while at the same time they— putting your taxes while at the same time they are rifling through your back pocket, giving with one hand and taking — back pocket, giving with one hand and taking even more with the other. and oh. _ and taking even more with the other. and oh. and — and taking even more with the other. and on, and on it goes. say the right— and on, and on it goes. say the right thing. _ and on, and on it goes. say the right thing, do the exact opposite. say we _ right thing, do the exact opposite. say we are — right thing, do the exact opposite. say we are all in this together decimate _ say we are all in this together decimate your public services. say there _ decimate your public services. say there is— decimate your public services. say there is no— decimate your public services. say there is no downside for business but rushed — there is no downside for business but rushed through a careless brexit deat~ _ but rushed through a careless brexit deat~ say— but rushed through a careless brexit deal. say this is for ordinary people _ deal. say this is for ordinary people but crashed the economy to -ive people but crashed the economy to give tax _ people but crashed the economy to give tax cuts to the richest 1%. a party _ give tax cuts to the richest 1%. a party that — give tax cuts to the richest 1%. a party that is now so desperate, so broken _ party that is now so desperate, so broken try— party that is now so desperate, so broken by its failure to address your— broken by its failure to address your problems, that it has completely cut itself adrift from responsibility of service. with no record _ responsibility of service. with no record to — responsibility of service. with no record to defend, exploiting britain's _ record to defend, exploiting britain's problems for the politics of division — britain's problems for the politics of division. look, here is the good news _ of division. look, here is the good news they— of division. look, here is the good news. they don't get to to choose, you don't _ news. they don't get to to choose, you don't have to take it any more. you can— you don't have to take it any more. you can stop — you don't have to take it any more. you can stop them, that is the ireauty— you can stop them, that is the beauty of— you can stop them, that is the beauty of democracy. the power of the vote _ beauty of democracy. the power of the vote rests in your hands and on the vote rests in your hands and on the 2nd _ the vote rests in your hands and on the 2nd of— the vote rests in your hands and on the 2nd of may you can reject the chaos, _ the 2nd of may you can reject the chaos, you — the 2nd of may you can reject the chaos, you can reject division, you can reject — chaos, you can reject division, you can reject decline and vote for hatiohat— can reject decline and vote for national renewal with labour. applause because make no mistake, labour has a plan _ because make no mistake, labour has a plan to— because make no mistake, labour has a plan to get— because make no mistake, labour has a plan to get britain's future back, a plan to get britain's future back, a plan _ a plan to get britain's future back, a plan to— a plan to get britain's future back, a plan to drag politics in the country— a plan to drag politics in the country back to service. tilt our economy— country back to service. tilt our economy back towards the interest of working _ economy back towards the interest of working people, get us working again. — working people, get us working again, growing again by unlocking the pride — again, growing again by unlocking the pride and potential of communities like dudley. that is what _ communities like dudley. that is what we — communities like dudley. that is what we will be campaigning on during — what we will be campaigning on during these elections, look, i know some _ during these elections, look, i know some of— during these elections, look, i know some of you — during these elections, look, i know some of you may have heard this kind of thing _ some of you may have heard this kind of thing before. in fact this is the reason _ of thing before. in fact this is the reason we — of thing before. in fact this is the reason we came to dudley to launch this campaign, because of course it was right— this campaign, because of course it was right here that the former prime minister. _ was right here that the former prime minister, actually the former former prime _ minister, actually the former former prime minister, gave his big levelling up speech, a project he said would turn the tide of regional inequality— said would turn the tide of regional inequality in this country and would -ive inequality in this country and would give a _ inequality in this country and would give a fair— inequality in this country and would give a fair share to towns like dudley — give a fair share to towns like dudley. you know, people say to me, the worst— dudley. you know, people say to me, the worst thing you can do in politics— the worst thing you can do in politics is— the worst thing you can do in politics is to prey on people's fear~ — politics is to prey on people's fear~ yet, _ politics is to prey on people's fear. yet, in some ways, preying on their— fear. yet, in some ways, preying on their hopes — fear. yet, in some ways, preying on their hopes is — fear. yet, in some ways, preying on their hopes isjust as bad. and that is what _ their hopes isjust as bad. and that is what the — their hopes isjust as bad. and that is what the tories did with levelling up. of course it struck a chord. _ levelling up. of course it struck a chord. a — levelling up. of course it struck a chord, a town like dudley wanted that hope — chord, a town like dudley wanted that hope to be real, notjust the promise — that hope to be real, notjust the promise of— that hope to be real, notjust the promise of a better future, we all need _ promise of a better future, we all need that — promise of a better future, we all need that. it is also how that project — need that. it is also how that project knowingly spoke to what towns _ project knowingly spoke to what towns like this have lost, the way of life _ towns like this have lost, the way of life that — towns like this have lost, the way of life that disappeared when the factories— of life that disappeared when the factories or pits closed. the communities, the security, the chest out pride _ communities, the security, the chest out pride that grows when you are certain— out pride that grows when you are certain your— out pride that grows when you are certain your contribution is respected. that what you do and make matters _ respected. that what you do and make matters. notjust for your family, matters. not just for your family, but for— matters. not just for your family, but for your — matters. notjust for your family, but for your community and country and even _ but for your community and country and even beyond our shores. a pride that looked — and even beyond our shores. a pride that looked out to the world and said, _ that looked out to the world and said. this — that looked out to the world and said, this is our place, this is who we are _ said, this is our place, this is who we are it — said, this is our place, this is who we are it was— said, this is our place, this is who we are. it was the steel industry here _ we are. it was the steel industry here trut— we are. it was the steel industry here but it — we are. it was the steel industry here but it is the same for shipbuilding in hartlepool, car manufacturing across the region, mining _ manufacturing across the region, mining everywhere from essex to the north _ mining everywhere from essex to the north look— mining everywhere from essex to the north. look at the names of our footbatt— north. look at the names of our football clubs. stoke city, the potters — football clubs. stoke city, the potters. stourbridge, the glass ttoys _ potters. stourbridge, the glass boys. stockport, the hatters. that pride _ boys. stockport, the hatters. that pride is _ boys. stockport, the hatters. that pride is still there. but over the years— pride is still there. but over the years it — pride is still there. but over the years it is — pride is still there. but over the years it is a _ pride is still there. but over the years it is a pride that has become a little _ years it is a pride that has become a little less — years it is a pride that has become a little less sure of the ground beneath — a little less sure of the ground beneath its feet, in need of a stronger— beneath its feet, in need of a stronger foundation, a government witting _ stronger foundation, a government willing to _ stronger foundation, a government willing to see communities like this not as— willing to see communities like this not as a _ willing to see communities like this not as a charity case but as a source — not as a charity case but as a source of _ not as a charity case but as a source of growth and dynamism ready to be unlocked. a partnership where potitics _ to be unlocked. a partnership where politics offers you service rather than _ politics offers you service rather than turning its back once it has counted — than turning its back once it has counted your votes. now, we understand that at the labour party, trust me _ understand that at the labour party, trust me. what towns like this have been _ trust me. what towns like this have been through in the decades, it is our history. — been through in the decades, it is our history, our communities and in many— our history, our communities and in many cases— our history, our communities and in many cases a — our history, our communities and in many cases a story which has shaped our families — many cases a story which has shaped ourfamilies. my many cases a story which has shaped our families. my dad was a toolmaker, he worked in a factory, he always — toolmaker, he worked in a factory, he always felt, particularly in the 80s that — he always felt, particularly in the 80s that he was looked down upon, disrespected. but equally, my sister is a care _ disrespected. but equally, my sister is a care worker now so i would never— is a care worker now so i would never accept it is only the work of the past _ never accept it is only the work of the past that deserves our pride and respect _ the past that deserves our pride and respect. that was a great lesson of the pandemic, it showed exactly who made _ the pandemic, it showed exactly who made up _ the pandemic, it showed exactly who made up the backbone of britain. the carers, _ made up the backbone of britain. the carers, the _ made up the backbone of britain. the carers, the drivers, the teachers, the warehouse workers, the supermarket staff, nurses and paramedics. the working people of this country, my labour party stands with you _ with you. applause . and that is why my biggest . and that 5 why my biggest frustration — . and that 5 why my biggest frustration |s _ . and that 5 why my biggest frustration 5 with _ . and that is why my biggest frustration is with these i . and that is why my biggest frustration is with these 14| . and that 5 why my biggest- frustration 5 with these 14 wasted frustration is with these 14 wasted years, _ frustration is with these 14 wasted years, notjust the to give working people the power to drive our _ to give working people the power to drive our country forward, to bring people _ drive our country forward, to bring people together outside of a crisis, unlock— people together outside of a crisis, untock that — people together outside of a crisis, unlock that pride that people have in their— unlock that pride that people have in their communities and harness it to change _ in their communities and harness it to change our country. levelling up is a good _ to change our country. levelling up is a good ambition for britain, taking — is a good ambition for britain, taking back control if it means control— taking back control if it means control for communities, not politicians in westminster. that is absolutely — politicians in westminster. that is absolutely essential for growth. but moving _ absolutely essential for growth. but moving forward requires notjust a new plan, — moving forward requires notjust a new plan, but also a fundamental shift in _ new plan, but also a fundamental shift in how we govern. britain has an economy— shift in how we govern. britain has an economy that hordes potential and politics— an economy that hordes potential and politics that hordes power. and it is no _ politics that hordes power. and it is no coincidence, no accident that this teaves— is no coincidence, no accident that this leaves us with more regional inequality— this leaves us with more regional inequality than anywhere else in europe — inequality than anywhere else in europe. so if we want to change our economy, _ europe. so if we want to change our economy, we — europe. so if we want to change our economy, we must also change our potitics~ _ economy, we must also change our potitics~ and — economy, we must also change our politics. and both these goals reguire — politics. and both these goals require things the tories will never detiver~ _ require things the tories will never deliver. economic stability, a commitment to service, a recognition that the _ commitment to service, a recognition that the sticking plaster approach to investment cost britain more in the tong _ to investment cost britain more in the long run. that economic growth is not _ the long run. that economic growth is not something that those at the top hand _ is not something that those at the top hand down to the rest of us. and that a _ top hand down to the rest of us. and that a more — top hand down to the rest of us. and that a more dangerous world needs a more _ that a more dangerous world needs a more dynamic government prepare to step in— more dynamic government prepare to step in alongside business and community to deliver the security that working people need. applause but perhaps, most of all, it needs an end _ but perhaps, most of all, it needs an end to— but perhaps, most of all, it needs an end to politics that is done to communities, not with them. no more political— communities, not with them. no more political hero _ communities, not with them. no more political hero complexes, no more fantasies. — political hero complexes, no more fantasies, no more easy answers that require _ fantasies, no more easy answers that require nobody to lift a finger. change — require nobody to lift a finger. change comes from us all. i mean that _ change comes from us all. i mean that the — change comes from us all. i mean that. the tory era of politics is performance art is coming to an end. but to— performance art is coming to an end. but to get— performance art is coming to an end. but to get britain out of this hole, we att— but to get britain out of this hole, we all need to roll up our sleeves, national— we all need to roll up our sleeves, national renewal is a partnership. i am not _ national renewal is a partnership. i am not here — national renewal is a partnership. i am not here to tell you that everything will be easy, that what happened four years ago. labour will -ive happened four years ago. labour will give you _ happened four years ago. labour will give you a _ happened four years ago. labour will give you a plan, we will give you new powers to make a difference in your community, but look around your country _ your community, but look around your country we _ your community, but look around your country. we need you. after everything you have been through in the past _ everything you have been through in the past 14— everything you have been through in the past 14 years, i know this is a hard _ the past 14 years, i know this is a hard request to make. i know how little _ hard request to make. i know how little faith — hard request to make. i know how little faith there is in politics to make _ little faith there is in politics to make a — little faith there is in politics to make a difference. but in your heart of hearts. _ make a difference. but in your heart of hearts. i— make a difference. but in your heart of hearts, i expect you know that this is— of hearts, i expect you know that this is what— of hearts, i expect you know that this is what britain needs right now _ this is what britain needs right now and _ this is what britain needs right now. and coming together after all the chaos— now. and coming together after all the chaos and division behind an incredible — the chaos and division behind an incredible long term plan, a plan to back your— incredible long term plan, a plan to back your potential, your ambition, unlock— back your potential, your ambition, unlock your— back your potential, your ambition, unlock your pride so together we get britain's _ unlock your pride so together we get britain's future back. applause so here is what voting labour means this year _ so here is what voting labour means this year. the change we offer for your communities and our country. the new— your communities and our country. the new foundation we lay together that will _ the new foundation we lay together that will give your family more security, — that will give your family more security, unlock your community's potentiat — security, unlock your community's potential and generate economic growth _ potential and generate economic growth for the whole country. it is a plan _ growth for the whole country. it is a plan that— growth for the whole country. it is a plan that starts as it must with economic stability. just look at the tories _ economic stability. just look at the tories now. — economic stability. just look at the tories now, once again in desperation committing to the madness of unfunded tax cuts. £46 billion— madness of unfunded tax cuts. £46 billion to _ madness of unfunded tax cuts. £46 billion to abolish national insurance, with no way of funding it other— insurance, with no way of funding it other than— insurance, with no way of funding it other than risky borrowing or cutting — other than risky borrowing or cutting your pension and our nhs. they— cutting your pension and our nhs. they are _ cutting your pension and our nhs. they are the only choice is whether they admit— they are the only choice is whether they admit it or not, it's likely think— they admit it or not, it's likely think liz— they admit it or not, it's likely think liz truss never happened. and maybe _ think liz truss never happened. and maybe for— think liz truss never happened. and maybe for their mortgage, their cost of living, _ maybe for their mortgage, their cost of living, it _ maybe for their mortgage, their cost of living, it didn't, but working people — of living, it didn't, but working people have paid an enormous price. no, policies— people have paid an enormous price. no, policies have to be paid for. every— no, policies have to be paid for. every pound is precious. at this labour— every pound is precious. at this labour party with rachel reeves as chancellor, we will value every pound — chancellor, we will value every pound as — chancellor, we will value every pound as if it is yours because at the end — pound as if it is yours because at the end of— pound as if it is yours because at the end of the day it is. applause and on that rock of economic stability— and on that rock of economic stability we lay our new foundation. five national missions, five new priorities— five national missions, five new priorities to turn the page on tory dectine _ priorities to turn the page on tory decline and — priorities to turn the page on tory decline and walk towards national renewat~ — decline and walk towards national renewal. 0ne, higher growth. reformed planning system no longer biocking _ reformed planning system no longer blocking homes, infrastructure and investments the country needs. safer streets _ investments the country needs. safer streets with 13,000 extra police officers — streets with 13,000 extra police officers cracking down on anti—social behaviour which blights many _ anti—social behaviour which blights many of _ anti—social behaviour which blights many of our town centres. three, cheaper— many of our town centres. three, cheaper bills with gb energy, a new pubiicty— cheaper bills with gb energy, a new publicly owned company harnessing ctean _ publicly owned company harnessing clean british power not foreign oil or gas _ clean british power not foreign oil or gas for. — clean british power not foreign oil or gas. for, more opportunities for your— or gas. for, more opportunities for your children, more mental health support— your children, more mental health support in— your children, more mental health support in schools, expert teachers in every _ support in schools, expert teachers in every classroom. new technical colleges— in every classroom. new technical colleges training our kids in the skills— colleges training our kids in the skills they need. and five, our nhs back on— skills they need. and five, our nhs back on its— skills they need. and five, our nhs back on its feet, 2 million extra appointments every year. a plan to cut the _ appointments every year. a plan to cut the backlog, rescue nhs dentist and stop— cut the backlog, rescue nhs dentist and stop the scramble at your gp surgery~ — surgery. applause and written through every one of these _ and written through every one of these priorities a new purpose. the fundamental mission of this changed labour— fundamental mission of this changed labour party, to tilt this country back— labour party, to tilt this country back towards the service of working people _ back towards the service of working people a _ back towards the service of working people. a return notjust to the traditional— people. a return notjust to the traditional labour deal, but also the shift — traditional labour deal, but also the shift we need in the way this country— the shift we need in the way this country creates wealth. a britain that serves the interests of working people _ that serves the interests of working people as _ that serves the interests of working people as they drive this country forward — forward. applause and so, when we look at the applause ctean _ and so, when we look at the applause clean energy and new technology can bring, _ clean energy and new technology can bring, we _ clean energy and new technology can bring, we do so with a national wealth— bring, we do so with a national wealth fund that stands with business, invests in critical infrastructure our future growth needs. — infrastructure our future growth needs, creates 650,000 newjobs, over 60,000 in the east and west midlands — over 60,000 in the east and west midlands. a plan that will be like the fires — midlands. a plan that will be like the fires of renewal in communities like this _ like this. applause it used to be called industrial strategy, didn't it? and it is not an old—fashioned idea, in most countries — an old—fashioned idea, in most countries around the world it is seen _ countries around the world it is seen as— countries around the world it is seen as the bread—and—butter of responsible government. because in a world _ responsible government. because in a world as _ responsible government. because in a world as volatile as ours, with new technologies in life science, clean energy. _ technologies in life science, clean energy, artificial intelligence all on the — energy, artificial intelligence all on the horizon, it is ourjob to make — on the horizon, it is ourjob to make sure _ on the horizon, it is ourjob to make sure regions like this are backed — make sure regions like this are backed with the investment that they need _ backed with the investment that they need the _ backed with the investment that they need. the giger factories that will make _ need. the giger factories that will make electric car batteries across the west— make electric car batteries across the west midlands. the renewable port ready to take offshore in the north— port ready to take offshore in the north sea — port ready to take offshore in the north sea. the clean steel that will -ive north sea. the clean steel that will give the _ north sea. the clean steel that will give the next generation ofjobs to scunthorpe or sheffield. and when we create _ scunthorpe or sheffield. and when we create jobs _ scunthorpe or sheffield. and when we create jobs in communities like this we do _ create jobs in communities like this we do so _ create jobs in communities like this we do so with a new deal for working people _ we do so with a new deal for working people not — we do so with a new deal for working people. notjust because work should always— people. notjust because work should always provide dignity, but also because — always provide dignity, but also because a — always provide dignity, but also because a labour market riddled with insecurity— because a labour market riddled with insecurity is — because a labour market riddled with insecurity is bad for productivity and bad — insecurity is bad for productivity and bad for growth. so we will scrap zero-hour_ and bad for growth. so we will scrap zero—hour contracts, we will scrap fire and _ zero—hour contracts, we will scrap fire and hire — zero—hour contracts, we will scrap fire and hire and say unambiguously this is— fire and hire and say unambiguously this is good — fire and hire and say unambiguously this is good for growth. applause and on top of this new foundation we will deploy— and on top of this new foundation we will deploy the full power of government to deliver security for working _ government to deliver security for working people. but we will also -ive working people. but we will also give power away. put communities in controt~ _ give power away. put communities in controt~ and — give power away. put communities in control. and you do make new take back controt — control. and you do make new take back control act with new powers for mayors, _ back control act with new powers for mayors, transport, energy, planning, rejuvenating — mayors, transport, energy, planning, rejuvenating high streets. and new powers— rejuvenating high streets. and new powers to — rejuvenating high streets. and new powers to generate growth in every town and _ powers to generate growth in every town and city. local growth plans, that is _ town and city. local growth plans, that is the — town and city. local growth plans, that is the commitment we make today a full fat— that is the commitment we make today a full fat approach to devolution. applause but with that, an expectation that those _ but with that, an expectation that those powers will be used to grow the tocat— those powers will be used to grow the local industries that are so important to unlocking our pride. the argument is simple, devolution is absolutely essential for taking on regional inequality. democratic decisions — on regional inequality. democratic decisions are better made by local people _ decisions are better made by local people with skin in the game, i have always— people with skin in the game, i have always believed that. because it wasn't _ always believed that. because it wasn't some central planner that built the — wasn't some central planner that built the old steel factory all those — built the old steel factory all those years ago, it wasn't a big potitician — those years ago, it wasn't a big politician that made stourbridge famous — politician that made stourbridge famous for glass production, or the black— famous for glass production, or the black country workplace of the world — black country workplace of the world. that sort of pride is not in the gift— world. that sort of pride is not in the gift of— world. that sort of pride is not in the gift of politicians. it is built up the gift of politicians. it is built up over— the gift of politicians. it is built up over the decades by the people, the businesses and the workers of a community — the businesses and the workers of a community. in partnership with government, absolutely, that is vital. _ government, absolutely, that is vital, levelling up doesn't happen by magic — vital, levelling up doesn't happen by magic. but the energy, the drive must _ by magic. but the energy, the drive must always come from a place itsetf _ must always come from a place itself so — must always come from a place itself. so when communities across britain _ itself. so when communities across britain ask— itself. so when communities across britain ask what is our future in the modern economy? i say labour will always— the modern economy? i say labour will always respect your contribution. we will give you the tools _ contribution. we will give you the tools you — contribution. we will give you the tools you need, we'll get the country's _ tools you need, we'll get the country's future back, but your destination, your decision, the pride _ destination, your decision, the pride that— destination, your decision, the pride that binds who you are, that belongs _ pride that binds who you are, that belongs to— pride that binds who you are, that belongs to you. applause and there is a power in that. a power— and there is a power in that. a power which i believe can change this country. let me put it this way _ this country. let me put it this way at — this country. let me put it this way. at some point in your life, many— way. at some point in your life, many people here will have heard a doubting _ many people here will have heard a doubting voice inside. saying no. this isn't— doubting voice inside. saying no. this isn't for you, you don't belong here, _ this isn't for you, you don't belong here, you — this isn't for you, you don't belong here, you can't do that. working class _ here, you can't do that. working class people certainly hear that voice. — class people certainly hear that voice, trust me. and in a strange way, _ voice, trust me. and in a strange way, perhaps it is that kind of insecurity— way, perhaps it is that kind of insecurity that industrial communities feel when they look to the future — communities feel when they look to the future. but imagine instead if the future. but imagine instead if the whole — the future. but imagine instead if the whole country said you do belong. — the whole country said you do belong, imagine if the whole country said we _ belong, imagine if the whole country said we back your potential. imagine if the _ said we back your potential. imagine if the whole country commits property— if the whole country commits properly to unlocking the pride you have for— properly to unlocking the pride you have for your community then look what _ have for your community then look what we _ have for your community then look what we could build. a britain where every _ what we could build. a britain where every contribution is equally respected, where you don't have to change _ respected, where you don't have to change who — respected, where you don't have to change who you are just to get on, wear— change who you are just to get on, wear whatever your background, you can feet _ wear whatever your background, you can feel certain that your effort will be — can feel certain that your effort will be rewarded. the future will be better— will be rewarded. the future will be better for— will be rewarded. the future will be better for your children. a britain strong _ better for your children. a britain strong enough for you to invest your hope. _ strong enough for you to invest your hope. your— strong enough for you to invest your hope, your potential, your pride. a country— hope, your potential, your pride. a country we — hope, your potential, your pride. a country we can build together, that is the _ country we can build together, that is the change we offer, that is britain's — is the change we offer, that is britain's future, to get it back put labour— britain's future, to get it back put labour on — britain's future, to get it back put labour on the 2nd of may. thank you very much— very much applause thank you very much. thank you. fantastic— thank you very much. thank you. fantastic to — thank you very much. thank you. fantastic to see you all. thank you very much — very much. applause continues i am now would take the number of questions _ i am now would take the number of questions from the press, i have a list here — questions from the press, i have a list here i— questions from the press, i have a list here. i will start with mark from _ list here. i will start with mark from the — list here. i will start with mark from the express. can ijust say before — from the express. can ijust say before you _ from the express. can ijust say before you start, condolences, pete madetey, _ before you start, condolences, pete madeley, one of yourjournalists passed _ madeley, one of yourjournalists passed away, last time i saw him he was itt~ _ passed away, last time i saw him he was ill. please pass our condolences to his _ was ill. please pass our condolences to his family— was ill. please pass our condolences to his family and all your stuff, it must _ to his family and all your stuff, it must be — to his family and all your stuff, it must be a — to his family and all your stuff, it must be a difficult time for everybody. must be a difficult time for everybody-— must be a difficult time for eve bod. ., , . . everybody. thank you very much, much appreciated — everybody. thank you very much, much appreciated 35 — everybody. thank you very much, much appreciated. 35 years _ everybody. thank you very much, much appreciated. 35 years ago, _ everybody. thank you very much, much appreciated. 35 years ago, this - everybody. thank you very much, much appreciated. 35 years ago, this was - appreciated. 35 years ago, this was appreciated. 35 years ago, this was a bustling thriving town with department stores that you could buy anything. since then under both labour and conservative governments it has been at best managed decline, it has been at best managed decline, it has been at best managed decline, it has suffered more than most towns have. the moment the government has proposed levelling up plans for a couege proposed levelling up plans for a college building and for the university, giving children a chance to go for a decent education and demolish the hippodrome theatre to build a university campus. can dudley become the thriving town it was in the 19705, 19805 and what are your thoughts on these regeneration proposals that the present government is putting forward? what would labour do differently? the answer the _ would labour do differently? the answer the question is yes, it can become _ answer the question is yes, it can become a — answer the question is yes, it can become a thriving town or place again— become a thriving town or place again and — become a thriving town or place again and i'm determined that it with _ again and i'm determined that it with the — again and i'm determined that it will. the phrase that you used, managed — will. the phrase that you used, managed decline is something that should _ managed decline is something that should eat away at all of us because that is— should eat away at all of us because that is the _ should eat away at all of us because that is the feeling in too many places— that is the feeling in too many places across the country. for that to happen — places across the country. for that to happen we need a viable plan and we need _ to happen we need a viable plan and we need to— to happen we need a viable plan and we need to do the hard yards, as angeta _ we need to do the hard yards, as angela said levelling up is not a slogan. — angela said levelling up is not a slogan. it— angela said levelling up is not a slogan, it has to be a viable plan and the — slogan, it has to be a viable plan and the hard yards of a plan that will likely— and the hard yards of a plan that will likely work across the country. the number— will likely work across the country. the number one mission of an incoming _ the number one mission of an incoming labour government will be to grow— incoming labour government will be to grow the — incoming labour government will be to grow the economy. but notjust grow— to grow the economy. but notjust grow the _ to grow the economy. but notjust grow the economy which is vital but .row grow the economy which is vital but grow it _ grow the economy which is vital but grow it in _ grow the economy which is vital but grow it in every place across the country. — grow it in every place across the country, not to have it grown in some _ country, not to have it grown in some parts— country, not to have it grown in some parts of the country and redistribution will be the one—word answer— redistribution will be the one—word answer it— redistribution will be the one—word answer it in— redistribution will be the one—word answer it in other places. we will work— answer it in other places. we will work to— answer it in other places. we will work to build dudley and other cities — work to build dudley and other cities across the country with the hard _ cities across the country with the hard yards— cities across the country with the hard yards and a viable plan that we propose _ hard yards and a viable plan that we propose this morning. thank you mark very much _ propose this morning. thank you mark very much~ i_ propose this morning. thank you mark very much. i have lewis from itv news _