Labour leader Keir Starmer answers your questions during Lancaster and Morecambe Zoom call Q&A

Labour leader Keir Starmer promised to help workers across the private sector, social care and education when he spoke to local residents in a virtual Q&A session.
Keir Starmer during the Lancaster and Morecambe Zoom Q&A.Keir Starmer during the Lancaster and Morecambe Zoom Q&A.
Keir Starmer during the Lancaster and Morecambe Zoom Q&A.

Mr Starmer was speaking via Zoom with members of the public from across the Lancaster and Morecambe district today.

The 'Call Keir' Q&A was one of many he is undertaking with people across the country and gave local residents the opportunity to air their concerns and ask questions.

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Mr Starmer will also be holding virtual visits and meetings with businesses in the region during the day.

Keir Starmer during the Lancaster and Morecambe Zoom Q&A.Keir Starmer during the Lancaster and Morecambe Zoom Q&A.
Keir Starmer during the Lancaster and Morecambe Zoom Q&A.

The meeting, moderated by independent chair Frank McKenna, chief executive of Downtown in Business, began with Mr Starmer admitting that the Labour party needed to see change if it was to compete at the next general election.

He said: "The Labour party lost the last election really badly and there's no getting away from that.

"The Labour leader needs to be a force for change and that comes with listening.

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"The important part [of the Q&A] is just listening to what people have to say and the range of topics people want to talk about."

Keir Starmer during the Lancaster and Morecambe Zoom Q&A.Keir Starmer during the Lancaster and Morecambe Zoom Q&A.
Keir Starmer during the Lancaster and Morecambe Zoom Q&A.

He also found time to praise Morecambe FC, particularly on their FA Cup second round win on Saturday.

He said: “I have to give a shoutout to Morecambe FC after this weekend. Really, really good FA Cup run.

“There is a connection here that is really important. Ben Lavelle is somebody I went to university with. Ben of course played for Morecambe for a number of years, and his son Sam is now captain of Morecambe.

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“So this isn’t just a shout-out for Morecambe, although it is that after this weekend! There is also a personal bit of pride because Ben Lavelle is a friend of mine and I am very proud of what he did, and what his son is doing with the team.”

During the public Q&A, Mr Starmer told local resident Vikkey Chaffe that there must be "real thought" about what happens with schools in the coming months.

As a primary school employee, she said there were huge worries about the upcoming SATs and the unlevel playing field, particularly during the pandemic.

"It's been sporadic and difficult for schools," he said. "There was a long period when children weren't in school and now there's an uncertain period.

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"I think the government needs to think where we are going to be next year and how we can get a level playing field for children."

Speaking to Lancaster graphic designer Tom Grattan, Mr Starmer acknowledged the part local authorities have played in supporting business in recent months, and criticised the government for freezing the pay of public sector staff, who he said in many cases were the ones out and about supporting local businesses.

He added that is was vital for people to see their high streets thriving.

Philip Craxford from Silverdale, who works in the events industry, asked how Mr Starmer saw the Labour party and his leadership going forward.

He said listening was a very important part of his role.

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"To me, it's about reflecting on what people say and understanding them," he said.

Addressing the contentious issue of the latest Covid-19 tiering system, which is due to begin on Thursday, Mr Starmer told Anna Mackenzie that he would be directing his MPs to act "in the national interest".

But he raised concern that the support for those in tier 3 is on a par with those in tier 1.

He also praised Lancaster MP Cat Smith for her work in standing up for her constituents over the tiering issue.

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"If this tiered system isn't better than the last one we are going to go around in circles," he said. "I am also worried that the government hasn't got the support system right.

"I do think there are going to have to be restrictions. I am very conscious of the fact that however much I criticise the government's approach, we have to act in the national interest."

Lancaster University student Luke Green asked Mr Starmer for support for students moving forward and looking to find work placements during a difficult period for many businesses.

"It's really difficult being a student this year," Mr Starmer said. "It's nothing like the experience you will have been expecting.

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"I am very keen that businesses keep open apprenticeships and other opportunities. My big worry is that businesses will not want to take any risks, but we have to work with those businesses to keep those opportunities there.

"In three to five years' time those students will be the future of those businesses."

Social care employee Christy Dargue asked how the Labour party might look to support the social care sector, particularly in light of them not receiving a pay rise for seven years.

"Dealing with people in social care is a highly skilled job," he said. "The pay needs to be addressed and improved, there's no question about that.

"The social care sector needs reform and it needs support.

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"We need to have a much stronger plan for social care. We owe it to the people who have got us through [the Covid pandemic] to put in a better system.

"Social care touches millions of families and it desperately needs attention."