Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is urging an end to the Tories' "war on woke," accusing them of deliberately picking fights to maintain their grip on power. In a speech today, Starmer will criticize the Conservatives for attacking organizations like the RNLI and the National Trust in an attempt to sow division.
Divisive Tactics
Starmer will address the Civil Society Summit and express his frustration with the Tory party's approach. He will argue that instead of working together with respected institutions like the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the National Trust, the Conservatives have opted to alienate and demean them. Starmer will highlight the RNLI's role in demonizing small boat migrants and the National Trust's efforts to educate and celebrate British culture and history.
Starmer accuses the Tories of searching for "woke agendas" within civic institutions, which they once held in high regard, in a desperate attempt to maintain power. He argues that this approach is not leadership but rather a damaging and divisive strategy.
Controversies Surrounding RNLI and National Trust
The National Trust has faced criticism from some Conservatives for acknowledging its buildings' connections to slavery. Meanwhile, Conservative MP Lee Anderson has accused the RNLI of facilitating illegal immigration. These controversies have fueled the ongoing clash between the parties.
Tory chairman Richard Holden has responded to Starmer's criticisms by pointing out the Labour leader's past support for Jeremy Corbyn, a figure who advocated for the abolition of the Armed Forces and refused to sing the national anthem.
