Labour leader Keir Starmer to hold virtual meeting to hear coronavirus concerns from Portsmouth residents

Over the coming weeks, the politician will hold online public meetings in every region and nation across the United Kingdom.

The hour-long meetings will give the public the chance to ask questions directly about the coronavirus, what issues they would like to see raised with the government and what lessons Labour needs to learn from last year’s election defeat.

Sir Keir said: ‘Coronavirus is the biggest crisis our country has faced in a generation.

‘That is why I want to hear directly from people about their experiences, how they are coping and what more they want to see done to help keep people safe and well.

‘It is also important that Labour listens and learns from our election defeats. I want an open and frank conversation with the British people about what we need to do to restore people’s trust in the Labour Party.’

The first of the meetings was held last night with people living in Bury and Tees Valley. The date Portsmouth residents will be able to Sir Keir has not yet been revealed by his office.

The events are being advertised online and through the media. People will be asked to register to attend, but everyone is invited to join the meeting, including non-Labour Party members and voters.

Stephen Morgan, Labour MP for Portsmouth South, welcomed the event and said ‘direct communication with communities’ was ‘exactly what Labour needs to do more of’ to return to power.

He added: ‘I know Portsmouth people and beyond want to hear from the Labour Leader about the coronavirus crisis, what further issues need to be raised with the government and what lessons Labour needs to learn from last year’s election defeat. I’ll continue to work with Keir and others to make this happen,’ he said

Last night prime minister Boris Johnson returned to action at the daily coronavirus briefing after recovering from Covid-19.’

This featured a number of questions from members of the public for the first time, alongside those from the media.

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