What Keir Starmer said in his big speech – and what he really meant

Our chief political commentator, John Rentoul, decodes the Labour leader’s speech on economic policy

Keir Starmer sets off to make his big speech on the economy (Rex Features)

What Keir Starmer said: When I went to one of our brilliant vaccine centres a few weeks ago I saw something extraordinary. People arriving – by the dozen – with anxiety etched across their faces.

What he really meant: They looked like me: permanently worried. This does not reassure the voters, who want a big smiley Blair or a can-do Boris Johnson.

What he said: But as our brilliant NHS vaccinated them, I saw their anxiety drain away. And they left with smiles – broad smiles – on their faces. It’s that spirit of hope and optimism that I want to start with today.