Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer visits Bristol and Bath Science Park

He gave a major speech this morning at the National Composites Centre located at Bristol and Bath Science Park in Emersons Green.

It was his first speech of the New Year as he kicked off the likely election year seeking to draw dividing lines with Rishi Sunak's Conservative party.

Sir Keir's visit to the area was also met with a protest by the Bristol Stop the War Coalition outside the venue.

Emersons Green is part of the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency which also includes Winterbourne and has been described as a marginal seat. 

The seat is currently represented by Conservative MP Jack Lopresti which is being contested by Labour parliamentary candidate Claire Hazelgrove. 

Sir Keir said: “A great candidate for Filton and Bradley Stoke, and I hope in time an even better MP. 

“And it's great to be here again looking at the new generation of aircraft wings.. you can see some of the instruments behind me. 

“This is the third time (I’ve visited) and I love it and it features pretty heavily in quite a number of my speeches. 

“On behalf of the Labour party, thank you for being here this morning and Happy New Year.” 

Sir Keir also said he is “ready” for a general election and said it was a “new year message of hope”.

He told the audience: “There is one thing that we can be sure is coming this year. And I’m ready for it.

He added: “This is your year, the opportunity to shape our country’s future rests in your hands. 

“And that is a new year's message of hope. The hope of democracy, the power of the vote, the potential for national renewal."

Protesters outside the National Composites Centre where Sir Keir Starmer gave a speech - photo by Stefan Rousseau / PA Wire (Image: Stefan Rousseau / PA Wire)

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer, with Claire Hazelgrove the Labour parliamentary candidate for the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency - photo by Stefan Rousseau / PA Wire (Image: PA)