By Lucy Caulkett-
Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party, pledged to take on tech companies that propagate “toxic attitudes” towards women and to combat online abuse and violence against women and girls as he delivered an impassioned speech at The Labour Party’s Conference
The leader’s words come amidst a broader commitment to “drain the swamp of hate and inequality” in society.
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Sir Keir began his speech by highlighting the persistent battles women face to defend their right “not to be objectified, demeaned, judged, or worse.” He stressed that women who hold powerful men to account or come forward with allegations of sexual violence often face disparagement, dismissal, and even threats online.
The historical context of this struggle cannot be overlooked, as Sir Keir referred to the broader road society must walk to eradicate toxic attitudes towards women.
The history of women’s rights movements, including suffrage and equality battles, have paved the way for this moment, as women continue to strive for equal treatment and protection from online abuse.
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Addressing the audience on the eve of his party’s main conference, which could potentially precede a general election, Sir Keir outlined key measures his government would undertake to address these issues.
He announced plans to reform the police force to “tackle this scourge head on,” including the establishment of specialist rape units, domestic abuse workers in control rooms, and enhanced training for officers.
Additionally, the Labour Party would introduce “proper” victims’ legislation, create a domestic abuse register, and confront tech companies that profit from pushing misogyny into the minds of children.
“The broader lesson is this: don’t succumb to the Tory project, the hope they want to kick out of our country.
Government can make the difference for women and working people,” Sir Keir emphasized.
Sir Keir’s message was met with resounding support from attendees, including Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Reeves, in her address, voiced her determination to break the “glass ceiling” at the Treasury by becoming the first woman to hold the office of chancellor of the exchequer.
She highlighted the historical gender imbalance in the role, which dates back 800 years, with no woman ever having held this position.
“I have spent my entire professional career in the worlds of economics and politics. When you do that, you get used to a world that doesn’t look a lot like modern Britain,” said Reeves. She acknowledged that there are still glass ceilings to shatter, and she views the opportunity to break this one as “the privilege of my life.”
The Labour Party, under Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, aims to transform the landscape for women’s rights, battling online misogyny and inequality head-on while offering a “simple message” to voters: the party will make a practical difference in the lives of millions of women in the country.
This conference marks a significant moment in the ongoing fight for women’s rights, with politicians like Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves vowing to lead the charge toward a more equitable and inclusive future.
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