Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a forceful call for unity and forward-thinking leadership during his address at the UK Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool on September 27, 2025. Speaking to party members and international allies, Albanese urged the UK’s ruling party not to abandon the foundational pillars of society as the world grapples with rapid technological change and mounting global threats. His speech, delivered on the final full day of his three-day visit to the United Kingdom, underscored the critical importance of close cooperation between Australia and Britain at a time of global uncertainty.
“We approach this work with determination and with optimism,” Albanese declared, as reported by The Nightly. “Because all of these problems can be solved, all of these opportunities can be seized, but only if our people continue to see our institutions as the best way to make it happen.” The Australian leader’s remarks resonated with an audience that included former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard—whom Albanese warmly described as “a Labor legend.”
Albanese’s trip to the UK was not without controversy back home. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley criticized the Prime Minister for attending the Labour conference, pointing to Albanese’s own past criticism of then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s attendance at a Donald Trump rally in the US during official business in 2019. Nevertheless, Albanese defended his visit, highlighting the unique opportunity to engage with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and senior members of the British government on pressing issues, including the AUKUS security agreement.
“In government, I value the opportunities we have to work together and get results, to take action together on issues that matter to our two nations and to the wider world,” Albanese stated. He drew attention to the joint efforts of Australia and the UK on the international stage, such as their involvement in the so-called “coalition of the willing” to help secure peace on Ukraine’s terms, and their collaboration to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East through the recognition of the state of Palestine.
Albanese’s speech did not shy away from the challenges posed by the modern era. He stressed the need for governments to take firm action on major societal issues, including climate change, housing, and the rise of artificial intelligence. “While governments always need to be able to tell the difference between what’s urgent and what’s important, in the end, we have to do both,” he told the assembled delegates. “In an era where artificial intelligence is transforming our economies, we must stand up for secure jobs and fair wages.”
His message was clear: while the future may be unpredictable, the response of democratic institutions and their leaders must be resolute and adaptable. “While we cannot always predict or control the challenges we will face, we can determine how we respond,” Albanese said, striking a note of both caution and optimism. The Prime Minister’s visit to the UK capped a week of international engagement, which also included his attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in the United States. He planned to return to Australia via the United Arab Emirates, continuing a packed diplomatic itinerary.
Meanwhile, in the UK, the Labour conference was also marked by scrutiny of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s own speech and policy record. According to BBC Verify Live, a dedicated fact-checking team was hard at work analyzing Starmer’s remarks at the conference. Their review, reported on September 30, 2025, focused on several key topics: the UK government’s record on immigration removals, claims about lifting 100,000 children out of poverty, and the issue of small boat crossings, which have reached record levels under Labour. The team also noted that Starmer has used private jets less frequently than his predecessors—a detail sure to catch the eye of both critics and supporters in an era of heightened environmental awareness.
Fact-checking has become an increasingly vital part of political coverage, as the public’s demand for accountability and truth rises in parallel with the proliferation of misinformation. BBC Verify Live also reported on unrelated international events during the same period, including a large explosion in southwestern Pakistan, a deadly school building collapse in Indonesia, and gunfire in Gaza City—reminding readers that the world’s crises are as diverse as they are urgent. In a lighter moment, the team debunked a viral AI-generated video purporting to show a British MP being soaked with water at a rally, demonstrating the growing sophistication of digital fakery and the importance of vigilant journalism.
Amid these swirling currents, Albanese’s emphasis on institutional trust and international partnership took on added weight. His call for action on climate change, secure jobs, and fair wages echoed concerns on both sides of the globe, as did his insistence that governments must be able to distinguish between the urgent and the important—and, ultimately, be prepared to tackle both. The presence of Julia Gillard in the audience served as a reminder of the enduring ties between Australian and British Labour traditions, while Albanese’s engagement with Starmer’s government highlighted the ongoing relevance of the AUKUS agreement and other areas of joint strategic interest.
Yet, as the BBC’s fact-checking efforts made clear, political rhetoric is only one part of the story. Every claim and promise is now subject to immediate scrutiny—whether it’s about immigration, poverty, or the use of private jets. This new reality means that leaders like Albanese and Starmer must not only inspire with their words but also deliver with their actions, knowing that the public and the press are watching closely, ready to separate fact from fiction.
Albanese’s visit and his speech at the Labour conference underscored the interconnectedness of today’s political challenges. From climate change to artificial intelligence, from security alliances to the fight against poverty, the problems facing Australia and the United Kingdom are increasingly global in scope and demand collective solutions. As Albanese put it, “All of these problems can be solved, all of these opportunities can be seized, but only if our people continue to see our institutions as the best way to make it happen.”
As the world continues to change at an unprecedented pace, the question for leaders and citizens alike is how best to respond. Albanese’s rallying cry in Liverpool was a reminder that, even in uncertain times, determination, optimism, and international cooperation remain essential ingredients for progress.