‘Change, be part of it’: Labour campaigns for change on the final weekend before polling day
Last night (Saturday 29 June) Elton John and David Furnish outlined their support of Keir Starmer and the Labour party at the forthcoming general election. Tireless champions of emerging talent and new artists, Elton and David delivered a video message at a major campaign event in London as Labour's campaign for change reaches the final weekend before polling day.
The video can be viewed here, full transcript below.
At the event, Keir Starmer invited the British public heading to the polls on 4 July to vote Labour with the message: ‘Change, be part of it’.
Elton John, in a video message, said:
“It's heartbreaking to see the hopes of Britain's next generation of creative talent downtrodden and destroyed by bureaucracy and red tape. The rich cultural exchange and education that informed my early years and paved the way for my career and success is drying up and in danger of dying out completely. And it's not just the musicians, but the whole team that puts together a tour and the wider industry that relies on emerging talent to thrive in the future.
“That's why we're backing Keir and Labour to win this election. There is only one choice. Let's help artists cut through the red tape that prevents them from thriving and contributing to this country's future success. Let's show the world what a creative, prosperous and forward thinking nation Britain is. Let's get behind Labour to win on 4 July.”
Rocket Entertainment CEO David Furnish, in a video message, said:
“It's madness to treat a hugely successful sector with such disdain, particularly one that has been the envy of the world for decades and contributes billions to the British economy every year, and has given us unrivalled soft power across the globe. We spent years trying to engage with the UK government in a meaningful and productive manner on these issues.
“Now, Labour's manifesto sets out sensible and practical proposals that promise to give every young person a creative education and help young and emerging musicians achieve the roots to success that have been cruelly and pointlessly snatched away from them.”
Broadcaster June Sarpong, hosting the event, said:
“This election is not over: far from it. With five days to go, we all know that we have to get out there and fight for every single vote. Nothing can be left in the bag, complacency is not an option. Because change will only happen if you vote for it.
“I’m supporting Keir Starmer because I believe a Labour government will put our country first. I believe that decisions will be taken not in the party’s interest, but with what’s best for the people of Britain in mind.
“And I believe a Labour government will mean genuine change for the better. We simply cannot afford the alternative: five more years of the Conservatives in power.”
Comedian Bill Bailey, speaking at the event, said:
“The fact we now have the real possibility of a Labour government, is in no small part the great efforts of Keir Starmer. Keir has changed the Labour Party. That took determination and resilience.
“I want a leader like Keir with an ambitious programme for government, with a Chancellor like Rachel Reeves, and a Deputy Prime Minister like Angela Rayner - a team with that same determination, and a fierce belief in our country and our potential.
“That can be made a reality in just a few days. But it will only happen if every Labour supporter gives it everything they’ve got.”
Actor Kit Harington, in a video message, said:
“I'm voting Labour on Thursday 4 July. One issue that is really important to me in this election is the climate crisis. We can see the real world effects of it all around us and we're at a turning point. The climate is teetering and we really can't afford 14 more years of the Tories in action.
“Labour have a practical plan which I believe can deliver for all of us. One of their first steps is to set up Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean power company which will lower bills, create jobs and deliver energy security. This is great for people across the UK and essential for our planet. So vote for change and vote for Labour on 4 July.”
Actor James Norton, in a video message, said:
“I support the Labour Party's ambition when it comes to making the arts accessible to all children, particularly in regards to their ambitions around the school's curriculum, reintegrating the arts into kids' lives.”
Musician Beverley Knight, in a video message, said:
“I support the Labour Party's ambition to allow all children to pursue their passions in the creative space. Because I was one of those children.”
The Apprentice’s Mike Soutar, in a video message, said:
“We are seeing too many children shut out of the opportunity to enjoy creative subjects at school and outside. I support the Labour Party because I support the right of every child to have access to the creative subject that they can build their lives on.”
Broadcaster Jason Manford, in a video message, said:
“I've just heard, hopefully, you know, the next prime minister say, not only are we going to support the arts, one of the biggest industries in the UK, not only are we going to look after the arts around the country, not just London, but we're going to go back to school, we're going to put drama, art, music and make sure they are on the curriculum, make sure that they are important for children, and I think that is massive.”
