Keir Starmer promises to set out vision for a 'new Britain' in 2022

Sir Keir Starmer has promised to set out his vision for a 'New Britain' in 2022 as he pledged to build a country 'that works for everyone'.

The Labour leader used his New Year's message to argue that 'the best still lies ahead for Britain'.

He said that in the coming year he will spell out in detail his ideas for improving the nation as he looks ahead to the general election scheduled in 2024.

Sir Keir will begin 2022 with his party ahead in a series of recent opinion polls, after Boris Johnson suffered a bruising December with 100 of his MPs rebelling over coronavirus restrictions, a row over Downing Street parties and the North Shropshire by-election loss.

Sir Keir said in his message: 'We have so much to look forward to as a country this year - so much that all of us can be proud of.

'2022 will bring us the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and for us football lovers, we will be cheering on our team in the World Cup later this year.

'But as a nation we need leadership that can translate that pride into the action we need to ensure the sacrifices of the past two years have not been in vain.

'Throughout the New Year I’ll be setting out, in detail, the ideas that I believe can build a New Britain – a Britain that works for everyone, in every part of the country and not just for those at the top.'

The Labour leader said his plan will focus on two key issues, security and prosperity.

On security, he said that the 'pandemic has reminded us just how fundamental it is that we feel our families are safe and secure'.

He pledged to create police hubs and neighbourhood crime prevention teams in 'every community to fight crime and anti-social behaviour'.

On prosperity, he said everyone should have the 'opportunity to thrive and to live in thriving neighbourhoods'.

Sir Keir said a Labour government would equip 'people of all ages with the skills needed to be competitive in the changing global marketplace'.

The Labour leader said that given the events of the last two years with the coronavirus crisis 'it would be all too easy to lose heart'.

'But, like you, I believe in Britain, I believe the best still lies ahead for Britain,' he added.