Shadowing Practice: ENGLISH SPEECH | KEIR STARMER: Rebuilding Britain (English Subtitles) - Learn English Speaking with Video

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Can politics become a force for good again?
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In his first address as Prime Minister in 2024, Keir Starmer stands outside Buckingham Palace to pledge a government of service and national renewal.
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Stay until the end to hear his powerful vision for rebuilding Britain brick by brick and the promise of unity.
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Good afternoon.
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I have just returned from Buckingham Palace,
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where I accepted an invitation from His Majesty the King to form the next government of this great nation.
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I want to thank the outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
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His achievement as the first British Asian Prime Minister of our country,
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the extra effort that that will have required should not be underestimated by anyone.
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We pay tribute to that today.
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And we also recognise the dedication and hard work he brought to his leadership.
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But now our country has voted decisively for change,
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for national renewal and a return of politics to public service.
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When the gap between the sacrifices made by people and the service they receive from politicians grows this big,
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it leads to a weariness in the heart of a nation.
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A draining away of the hope, the spirit, the belief in a better future.
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That we need to move forward together.
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Now, this wound, this lack of trust, can only be healed by actions, not words.
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I know that.
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But we can make a start today with the simple acknowledgement
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that public service is a privilege and that your government should treat every single person in this country with respect.
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If you voted Labour yesterday, we will carry the responsibility of your trust as we rebuild our country.
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But whether you voted Labour or not, in fact, especially if you did not, I say to you directly,
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my government will serve you.
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Politics can be a force for good.
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We will show that.
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We've changed the Labour Party, returned it to service, and that is how we will govern.
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Country first, party second.
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Yet, if I'm honest, service is merely a precondition of hope.
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And it is surely clear to everyone that our country needs a bigger reset, a rediscovery of who we are
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because no matter how fierce the storms of history one of
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the great strengths of this nation has always been our ability to navigate away to calmer waters
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and yet this depends upon politicians particularly those who stand for stability and moderation as i do
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recognizing when we must change course.
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for too long now we've turned a blind eye as millions slid into greater insecurity.
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Nurses, builders, drivers, carers, people doing the right thing,
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working harder every day, recognised at moments like this before,
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yet as soon as the cameras stop rolling their lives are ignored.
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I want to say very clearly to those people not this time.
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Changing a country is not like flicking a switch.
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The world is now a more volatile place.
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This will take a while but have no doubt that the work of change begins immediately.
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have no doubt that we will rebuild Britain with wealth created in every community.
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Our NHS back on its feet facing the future.
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Secure borders, safer streets, everyone treated with dignity and respect at work.
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The opportunity of clean British power, cutting your energy bills for good.
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And brick by brick, we will rebuild the infrastructure of opportunity.
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The world-class schools and colleges, the affordable homes that I know are the ingredients of hope for working people.
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The security that working-class families like mine can build their lives around.
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because if I asked you now whether you believe that Britain will be better for your children,
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I know too many of you would say no. And so my government will fight every day until you believe again.
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From now on, you have a government unburdened by doctrine, guided only by the determination to serve your interest,
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to defy quietly those who have written our country off.
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You have given us a clear mandate, and we will use it to deliver change, to restore service and respect to politics,
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end the era of noisy performance, tread more lightly on your lives and unite our country.
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Four nations standing together again, facing down, as we have so often in our past,
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the challenges of an insecure world committed to a calm and patient rebuilding.
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So, with respect and humility,
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I invite you all to join this government of service in the mission of national renewal.
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Our work is urgent and we begin it today.
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Thank you very much.
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About This Lesson

In this lesson, you will practice your English speaking skills by engaging with a fascinating speech made by Keir Starmer in his first address as Prime Minister in 2024. The focus will be on understanding the themes of national renewal and public service while enhancing your ability to express complex ideas clearly and confidently. You will learn how to articulate your thoughts on significant political and social themes, work on your pronunciation, and improve your fluency. This exercise aligns with the shadowing technique, allowing you to mimic the speaker for more effective IELTS speaking practice.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • National renewal: A period or process of revitalization and reform in a country.
  • Public service: Work intended to benefit the public, often associated with government officials and institutions.
  • Trust: The confidence individuals place in their leaders and institutions.
  • Change course: To alter the direction or approach towards an issue.
  • Infrastructure of opportunity: The necessary resources and systems that enable economic and social advancement.
  • Dignity and respect at work: The assurance that every individual is treated fairly and with honor in the workplace.
  • Volatile place: A situation or environment characterized by rapid and unpredictable changes.
  • Brick by brick: A metaphor indicating that change is made gradually through consistent effort.

Practice Tips

As you practice with Keir Starmer's speech, focus on using the shadow speak method to improve both your listening comprehension and speaking abilities. Follow these tips to make the most of your practice:

  • Repeat after the speaker: As Starmer speaks, pause the video every few sentences and try to mimic his tone, pace, and intonation. This will help you capture the nuances of English speech.
  • Watch the speed: The speech may present a mixture of fast and slow segments. Don't rush—aim for clarity over speed. If necessary, slow the video down to catch every word.
  • Focus on emotional delivery: Pay attention to how Starmer emphasizes key phrases, which can help you convey emotion in your own speaking.
  • Record yourself: After you shadow him, record your own version of the speech. Listen to your recording to identify areas for improvement in pronunciation and fluency.
  • Engage with the content: Reflect on the meaning of the phrases you practice. Try to create your own sentences using the key vocabulary and phrases to ensure you understand fully.

By incorporating these techniques, you can enhance your English speaking skills effectively and prepare for tasks such as IELTS speaking practice with greater confidence.

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.