ALBO UNLEASHES: Aussie PM Vows to Defend Democracy as He Rallies Behind Embattled UK Labour Leader Amid Brewing Leadership Challenge
- Anthony Albanese pledges to defend democracy alongside UK PM Keir Starmer at Labour Party conference
- PM blasts “low politics of fear and resentment” as he addresses erosion of trust in politics and rise of extremist movements
- Leaders reaffirm commitment to AUKUS defence pact as Albanese receives warm welcome from UK Labour faithful in Liverpool
Anthony Albanese has launched a powerful defence of democracy, vowing to stand alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer against the rising tide of fear and resentment in politics. The Australian PM’s impassioned speech at the UK Labour Party conference in Liverpool came as Sir Keir faces a brewing leadership challenge from within his own party.
As the two leaders shared the stage, Albanese issued a stark warning about the dangers of extremist movements and the erosion of trust in governments and institutions. “We all know this is a time when trust in governments and institutions is under challenge,” he said. “We all sense this is an era when our capacity for peaceful disagreement is being tested.”
Albanese and Starmer’s joint appearance was seen as a show of solidarity between the two leaders, who have faced criticism and opposition from within their own parties. The Australian PM’s speech was peppered with references to the historic bonds between Australian Labor and its UK sister party, as he touched on public services, job creation, and climate change.
“Clement Attlee and Ben Chifley and their Labor governments worked to build societies worthy of those who’d fought to defend the world from fascism and tyranny,” Albanese said. “By opening the doors of opportunity through education. By creating secure, well-paid jobs in manufacturing. By treating housing as not only the need, but the right, of every citizen.”
Albanese’s visit to the UK comes as part of a mammoth overseas trip, which has included an address to the United Nations in New York and a meeting with King Charles III at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The PM’s speech was met with a warm welcome from the UK Labour faithful, who see him as a “real inspiration” and “true friend of Britain”.
As the UK Labour Party faces a tumultuous period, with speculation swirling about a leadership challenge to Sir Keir, Albanese sought to rally the party faithful behind their leader. “None of us who joined the labour movement, whether in Australia or here in the UK, do so in search of an easy life and no one comes to a Labour conference expecting a quiet weekend,” he said.
Albanese’s speech was seen as a significant intervention in UK politics, as the Australian PM seeks to strengthen ties between the two nations. The PM’s visit has been marked by a series of high-profile meetings, including a private audience with King Charles III and talks with UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.