Starmer highlights ‘common ground’ with unions ahead of TUC dinner

The Labour leader insisted there is ‘a lot of common ground’ with trade unions.

Published Sep 11, 2023

Sir Keir Starmer said Labour is “looking to the future” after union boss Sharon Graham accused his party of being a “90s tribute act”.

The Labour leader, who is heading to Liverpool later on Monday to dine with the TUC general council, insisted there is “a lot of common ground” with trade unions.

The party’s moves to sideline left-wingers and a perceived lack of support in industrial disputes has attracted union anger.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson during a visit to the Sydney Russell School in Dagenham on Monday (Gareth Fuller/PA)

“The central challenge will be growing the economy. Within that is dignity and respect for working people in their working environment.”

Asked how he plans to keep unions on side, Sir Keir said: “The Labour Party and the trade unions have had a long relationship together and we had a big session at the beginning of the summer where we agreed policy going forward.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham accused Labour of being a ’90s tribute act’ (PA)

Labour’s National Policy Forum document, agreed in July, is reportedly expected to be published soon.