SIR Keir Starmer will today accuse the Tories of abandoning high streets as he announces an £800million boost to clean up town centres.
The funding is part of the Government’s £5billion Pride in Place programme to spruce up more than 330 deprived areas.
It comes as the PM scrambles to get on the front foot and look patriotic against Reform.
During a speech in the South East today, beleaguered Sir Keir will say Britain is stronger as a “tolerant country” and wrap himself in the flag.
He will say: “I love this country.”
“It is the greatest country in the world.
“I believe in decency and tolerance, and in respect for difference under the same flag.”
His speech is backed by Brendan Cox, widower of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox and co-founder of The Together Coalition.
Mr Cox has warned that disconnection and division are the “most profound threats” to our way of life.
Mr Cox said: “We hope this speech is the start of getting serious.
“Because we are fast running out of time.”
A Tory spokesman said: “It’s hard to overstate the absurdity of Starmer making a speech about values and decency.”
