Britain’s leading union leader has cautioned Keir Starmer that he is out of touch with the national sentiment and requires a bold agenda to transform lives.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham, in a significant pre-election statement, conveyed to the Sunday Mail that people are “desperate for change,” criticizing Labour’s overly cautious strategy as akin to “having no plan.”
This follows Starmer’s unveiling of six “initial steps” aimed at providing economic stability, reducing NHS waiting times, establishing a new Border Security Command, forming Great British Energy, tackling antisocial behavior, and hiring 6,500 teachers.
The campaign, dubbed the “doorstep offer,” has drawn comparisons to Tony Blair’s 1997 election pledge card, which preceded his landslide victory and a long Tory exile from No. 10.
However, Graham, representing over a million workers including about 140,000 in Scotland, has urged Starmer, currently advised by Blair, to draw inspiration from Clement Attlee’s transformative post-war Labour government instead.
She stated, “There’s no question we need a Labour government. I’m voting Labour after 14 years dominated by business interests, which we can’t afford anymore.
“But Labour’s role is to advocate for workers, securing high-quality jobs with fair pay and conditions. They’re on target in some areas but far too reserved in others.
“They believe being cautious appears prudent and statesmanlike, but it actually comes off as lacking a plan.
“I see a huge opportunity for Keir Starmer, and honestly, I don’t grasp the hesitancy.
“The nation is demanding change. Everyone I talk to describes the current situation as horrendous—it couldn’t be worse for countless workers.
“It’s not 1997 anymore; the economic climate has completely changed, people feel differently.
“We’ve just experienced COVID-19, and there’s a palpable sense of injustice. The essential workers, some of whom died, were among the lowest paid—NHS staff, bus and supermarket workers. Yet, when they request higher wages, they’re silenced and blamed for fueling inflation.
“While salaries have stagnated, companies have accrued massive profits. However, our research shows these profits haven’t translated to investment, while shareholder dividends continue to climb.
“Clearly, our economy is dysfunctional—it wasn’t bankers risking their lives during the pandemic, they were safe at home, yet it’s somehow acceptable to remove caps on their bonuses.
“How did we reach this point where we’re the world’s sixth-wealthiest country, yet people struggle to afford food and must choose between heating and eating?
“I’m unsure if the country’s mood is truly understood, that people genuinely want this change.”
Graham, in Scotland to kick off a major campaign demanding Labour propose a multibillion-pound investment to replace North Sea oil jobs, added, “We’re told public finances are too tight for big ideas, but the UK’s debt-to-GDP ratio is around ninety percent, similar to other nations.
“After World War II, our debt-to-GDP ratio was 250 percent, yet we established the NHS, built the welfare state, and flourished through nationalized industries.
“I believe we’re at a similar pivotal moment, needing substantial investment to steer the UK back on course.”
Graham’s comments represent a serious critique of Starmer’s policies, which have been accused of appealing to right-wing Tory voters regarding immigration, while lacking a clear plan for economic revitalization.
In February, Labour halved its green jobs investment target when shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a reduction from £28 billion to less than £15 billion—only a third of this being new funding.
Moreover, the party has pledged to not grant new exploration licenses in the North Sea, a stance the oil and gas industry fears could cost tens of thousands of Scottish jobs.
Recently, there was controversy over Labour welcoming former right-wing Tory MP Natalie Elphicke.
Graham further noted, “In Scotland, 38,000 jobs in oil and gas are at risk, and we’re asking for a plan to replace them because you can’t just disrupt people’s livelihoods without a feasible alternative.
“We’re told of a shift to green jobs, but where are these jobs, and what will they entail?
“If riding an electric bike to deliver food is considered a green job, we’re talking about replacing well-paid, highly skilled oil and gas positions with these.
“So I’m asking, where’s the investment strategy? Without investment, we won’t see the necessary job creation in wind, carbon capture, and hydrogen sectors.
“I believe Labour and the SNP should have had a plan, and the first question everyone’s going to ask is about the cost.
“We’re clear it will take £1.1 billion over six years, and we need to start investing now because time is running out.”
While polls suggest Starmer might win Downing Street, it remains uncertain if he can secure a majority, with a hung parliament still a possibility.
In Scotland, the next Holyrood election is set for 2026, with polls indicating Labour and the SNP are closely matched.
Graham concluded, “Labour’s six general pledges need more definition as the election approaches.
“When discussing the NHS, sure, we want shorter waiting lists. But how will that be achieved given the ongoing staffing issues, with people leaving the NHS in large numbers?
“People are eager for detailed plans explaining how Labour intends to revolutionize conditions for workers.”
