“The state will take back control” – Wednesday’s front pages reflect on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s party conference speech. The Labour Party conference, being held in Liverpool, marks the first Labour conference in power in more than 15 years. 

Away from the party conference, several front pages report on plans to evacuate Britons stuck in Lebanon amid rising violence in the region. 

A handful of newspapers lead with showbiz and royal news. 

‘State will take back control’ 
Starmer tells labour party conference

‘Starmer attempts to connect with Reform voters,’ claims the Telegraph.

The Daily Telegraph leads with the prime minister’s speech at the conference yesterday with the headline “the state will take back control.” The paper says the PM has deployed a Brexit-style war cry to warn about the impact of unfettered free markets and a small state. Variations on the phrase cropped up 15 times across the 54-minute speech, which the paper styles as an “attempt to connect” with Reform voters. 

‘Starmer attempts to refocus government after scandals,’ says the Times.

The Times reports “Brace for the incoming storm, warns Starmer.” The paper says the prime minister has signalled that taxes would have to rise in next month’s Budget. The speech is an “attempt to refocus the government after days dominated by rows over gifts and infighting in No 10.” 

‘Tough love,’ says the Mirror.

“Tough love,” says the Daily Mirror. The front page features a snap of the PM and his wife, saying he was greeted with a standing ovation as he laid out his vision for the future of Britain. 

‘Starmer pledges homes for veterans,’ says the Metro.

The Metro features an image of Sir Keir and his wife sharing a kiss on stage. The paper says “A home for every hero” referencing the prime minister’s pledge to house all military veterans, young care leavers and victims of domestic abuse. 

The Sun also picks up on Starmer’s pledge for homes for veterans. 

‘PM warns of trade-offs,’ is The Guardian’s take on the prime minister’s speech.

The Guardian picks up on the PM’s warning of “trade-offs” including new prisons and electricity pylons near homes. The paper cites aides who say Starmer has now started to address concerns that he has been “too gloomy” since his party came to power in July.

‘Starmer warns of stark choices ahead,’ says the FT.

The FT leads on the party conference, highlighting the prime minister’s promise to repair the country and warning of “stark choices.” The paper notes the PM has warned of ‘unpopular choices.’ 

‘It won’t be easy,’ quotes The Independent.

The Independent says Starmer has warned it won’t be easy but he has begun his long-term plan to rebuild Britain. 

‘Mass evacuation plans ready’ 

‘Marines ready for mass evacuation,’ says the Mail.

The Daily Mail says the “marines are ready for mass evacuation of Lebanon Brits.” The paper says the mission, called Operation Meteoric, could see commandos making beach landings in Lebanon to escort UK citizens out of the country.

‘Marines preparing to evacuate 10,000 Brits,’ says The Times.

The Times says officials from the Foreign Office and Border Force will also be sent to the region. The paper says the marines are getting ready to airlift around 10,000 Brits in the region. 

‘Get out now,’ the Express tells Brits in Lebanon.

The Daily Express reports the government’s warning for British nationals to leave Lebanon with its headline “get out now!” 

‘Britain sends 700 troops to Lebanon,’ the i newspaper claims.

The i says Britain has sent 700 troops to Lebanon as the government tells Brits to get out of the country amid fears of an all-out war.