Prime Minister Keir Starmer celebrates record diversity with over 40% women and a historic 14% from ethnic-minority backgrounds among MPs

In a landmark address to the House of Commons, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer lauded the newly elected Parliament as the most diverse in British history, reflecting significant strides in gender and ethnic representation. This inaugural speech, delivered amidst a packed chamber, marked a pivotal moment as Starmer pledged to usher in a politics centred on public service rather than self-interest.

The session commenced with a symbolic standing ovation from Labour benches as Starmer entered the Commons, underscoring the party’s decisive victory with 412 seats, while the Conservatives saw their numbers dwindle to a historic low of 121. The atmosphere was charged with the energy of new beginnings as 335 MPs, a substantial cohort, took their seats for the first time.

Highlighting the milestone achievements in parliamentary diversity, Starmer emphasized that more than 40% of MPs were women, a first in British parliamentary history. Additionally, the record 14% representation from ethnic-minority backgrounds stands as a testament to the evolving face of British politics.

In his address, Starmer paid tribute to Diane Abbott, newly appointed as the Mother of the House, a title bestowed upon the longest continuously serving female MP. Recognizing Abbott’s pioneering role since becoming the UK’s first female black MP in 1987, Starmer credited her advocacy for a more inclusive and representative Parliament.

The Prime Minister’s vision for the new Parliament extends beyond diversity to encompass a commitment to effective governance and national unity. He pledged to steer away from the partisan divisions that have characterized recent politics, promising a renewed focus on addressing pressing societal issues and delivering tangible benefits to all constituents.

Rishi Sunak, now leading the opposition following his party’s electoral setback, echoed Starmer’s call for unity and professionalism in parliamentary conduct. Sunak expressed regret over the loss of Conservative MPs and affirmed his commitment to constructive opposition, highlighting the importance of accountability and robust debate in a democracy.

BBC

Sir Keir Starmer has heralded the newly elected Parliament as the most diverse in UK history in terms of both race and gender. In his inaugural speech as Prime Minister to the Commons, Starmer expressed pride in Labour’s role in enhancing Parliament’s diversity, noting that over 40% of MPs are women and a record 14% come from ethnic-minority backgrounds. He highlighted that this intake also boasts the largest group of LGBT+ MPs of any parliament worldwide.

Acknowledging the historic significance, Starmer paid tribute to Diane Abbott, now the Mother of the House, for her longstanding advocacy for a Parliament that reflects modern Britain. Abbott, the first black female MP elected in 1987, faced uncertainty before being re-selected by Labour, which Starmer affirmed was a crucial step towards diversity and representation.

The session also saw tributes from other party leaders, including Rishi Sunak, who emphasized Abbott’s trailblazing legacy and role as an inspiration, particularly for young women of color. The Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, pledged his party’s commitment to holding the government accountable on key issues such as health, social care, and the cost of living.

The ceremonial re-election of Sir Lindsay Hoyle as Speaker, despite previous controversies, underscored continuity in parliamentary leadership. Amidst traditional formalities like the Speaker’s chair procession, Reform UK’s Nigel Farage used his speech to criticize Hoyle’s predecessor, John Bercow, contrasting his tenure unfavorably with Hoyle’s approach to parliamentary duties.

As MPs begin their swearing-in process, the diverse composition of the new Parliament marks a significant milestone in UK political representation, reflecting broader societal changes and aspirations for inclusive governance.

The Guardian

In his first speech as Prime Minister to the newly elected parliament, Keir Starmer emphasized the historic diversity of the House of Commons. He hailed this cohort as the most racially and gender-diverse in British history, also noting it boasts the largest group of LGBT+ MPs worldwide. Starmer paid tribute to Diane Abbott, acknowledging her long-standing efforts to promote parliamentary representation reflecting modern Britain, despite initial challenges in her re-election process.

Addressing the broader political landscape, Starmer called for a departure from “the politics of performance” to “the politics of service,” emphasizing the duty of politicians to demonstrate that politics can positively impact society. This rhetoric aligns with his government’s early initiatives, such as the proposed £7.3 billion National Wealth Fund aimed at attracting private sector investment for large-scale infrastructure projects across the UK.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed optimism following talks aimed at resolving the longstanding pay dispute with junior doctors. Streeting highlighted the government’s commitment to improving conditions within the NHS, amidst broader reforms intended to transform the Department of Health and Social Care into an “economic growth department.”

In education, controversy surrounded the resignation of James Wharton as chair of the Office for Students, amidst criticism over his perceived lack of regulatory experience and allegations of political influence within the higher education sector.

Lisa Nandy, the new Culture Secretary, set a new tone for her department by declaring an end to “culture wars,” pledging instead to celebrate and champion the diverse cultural heritage of communities across the UK.

These developments underscore a significant shift in policy focus and leadership style under Starmer’s administration, marked by a commitment to diversity, healthcare reform, and a departure from divisive political strategies of the past. As Starmer navigates these early challenges and opportunities, his government’s actions will likely shape the trajectory of UK politics in the coming years.

Sky News

The newly elected UK Parliament reflects a significant shift in its composition and dynamics, marking a departure from the political status quo. With 335 MPs who are new to Parliament, including a record-breaking 263 women comprising over 40% of the House, and 90 MPs from ethnic minority backgrounds, representing 14%, this parliament is celebrated as the most diverse in British history.

Labour’s substantial majority, packing 412 MPs into a chamber designed for fewer, contrasted sharply with a visibly less populous Conservative bench, highlighting the electoral shift. This change extends beyond mere numbers, with the Liberal Democrats emerging as a potent force with 72 MPs, their largest representation in over a century, relegating the SNP to less prominent seating.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer underscored these demographic shifts in his inaugural parliamentary address, emphasizing the parliament’s diversity. Emotional moments included Diane Abbott’s return as the longest-serving MP and Lindsay Hoyle’s re-election as Speaker, signaling both continuity and change in parliamentary leadership.

However, amidst the celebratory atmosphere, challenges loom. The diverse makeup of MPs with varied backgrounds and ideologies suggests potential for future political clashes and divisions. Figures like Jeremy Corbyn’s return and Nigel Farage’s presence add to the mix, hinting at debates and disagreements that may shape the parliamentary term ahead.

As the new parliament settles in, navigating these diverse voices and perspectives will be crucial for policymaking and governance, defining the course of UK politics under Starmer’s leadership.