Gary Neville calls for “reset” in British politics
Written by Joshua Nichol on 11th October 2023
Footballer turned businessman Gary Neville has called for a “reset” in British politics following the Labour Party conference.
The football pundit and Labour Party member spoke at an event at Sunderland Business Festival, where he questioned the Government’s handling of policies impacting the North East.
Gary Neville speaking at Sunderland Business Festival on 11 October 2023. Photo taken by Mitch Tapner
“I’m just working on the theory that, you know, how much damage can they do in the next 12 months,” he said.
“Hopefully it’s not that much and we can have a change in power and we can have a reset.”
Neville said that he hoped Starmer would rebuild “trust” in British politics.
“What I’m expecting is that there is more empathy, there’s more compassion, there’s more seriousness.
“Absolutely start to regain some trust and some faith in people who are speaking about serious issues in our country.”
Neville’s comments came the day after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, gave his keynote speech to Labour’s Party Conference.
Speaking of the task awaiting his party if they were to win the next election, Starmer said:
“If you think our job in 1997 was to rebuild a crumbling public realm. That in 1964 it was to modernise an economy left behind by the pace of technology. In 1945 to build a new Britain out of the trauma of collective sacrifice. Then in 2024 it will have to be all three.”
Sir Keir Starmer delivering a speech during the Labour Party Conference in Brighton – Credit: Alamy
Washington and Sunderland West Labour MP, Sharon Hodgson, told Spark that she hopes her party’s policies will “transform” lives in Sunderland.
“Keir’s speech was clear, grounded and aspirational. Realistic about how far we still need to go, to win hearts and minds across the UK, whilst being aspirational for our country, our future and what Labour can achieve.
“We’ve seen recently the complete disregard with which northern jobs, infrastructure and investment are approached by this Conservative government. So I was very pleased to see such a heavy focus on these areas in Keir’s speech.
“Labour’s commitment to housing, to the NHS and to “switching on” Great British Energy are just a few of the policies highlighted, that will transform the lives of my constituents.”
Meanwhile, Conservative Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, has accused Labour of focusing too heavily on Manchester. In a post on X he said:
“When Labour talk about the North they never ever mean places like Teesside. It’s Manchester and nothing else.”
