Keir Starmer outlines reforms of ‘overcautious, flabby state’ in civil service speech – UK politics live

PM is giving a speech, followed by a Q&A with the media

Starmer says the figures just out this morning showing waiting lists down for the five month in a row. (See 9.53am.)

He says he is committed to reforming public services, and says he has always believed in the power of government.

When we had those terrible riots … what we saw then, in response, was dynamic. It was strong, it was urgent. It was what I call active government, on the pitch, doing what was needed, acting.

But for many of us, I think the feeling is we don’t really have that everywhere all of the time at the moment.

The state employs more people than we’ve employed for decades, and yet look around the country; do you see good value everywhere? Because I don’t.

I actually think it’s weaker than it’s ever been, overstretched, unfocused, trying to do too much, doing it badly, unable to deliver the security that people need.

If your energy security is exploited by Putin you’re not strong.

If one in 80 young people are not in education or work, you’re not strong.