Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer pays tribute to 'inspiring' volunteers at Wakefield foodbank based in Lightwaves Leisure Centre

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to "inspiring" volunteers running a foodbank in Wakefield.
Sir Keir visited the Lightwaves Leisure Centre in Wakefield on Thursday. Here he packs boxes with volunteer Karen Noden.Sir Keir visited the Lightwaves Leisure Centre in Wakefield on Thursday. Here he packs boxes with volunteer Karen Noden.
Sir Keir visited the Lightwaves Leisure Centre in Wakefield on Thursday. Here he packs boxes with volunteer Karen Noden.

The Labour leader visited Lightwaves Leisure Centre in the city on Thursday, where donation parcels are stocked and redistributed to those in need.

Sir Keir, who succeeded Jeremy Corbyn last April, said he believed the coronavirus pandemic had helped foster greater community spirit up and down the country.

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He said that volunteers and charities were doing a vital job in fighting inequality, and referenced the weekly clap for the NHS as a sign the UK was becoming more neighbourly.

The Labour leader said he hoped to return to the leisure centre in 2021.The Labour leader said he hoped to return to the leisure centre in 2021.
The Labour leader said he hoped to return to the leisure centre in 2021.

Alongside West Yorkshire mayoral candidate Tracy Brabin, Sir Keir later helped pack boxes of food in the leisure centre's kitchen, where supplies are kept.

Speaking through a mask to volunteer and representatives from local charities, he said: "A lot of people have told me they feel a stronger sense of community this year than they did before.

"People are now talking to neighbours who they'd never spoken to before.

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"The inequalities we've seen this year, were always there before, they're just times 10 now.

"But people like you are saying, "We're going to change things for the better" in this community.

"I want to say a heartfelt thank you for what you're doing.

"You're not just helping people in a practical way. It's actually inspiring. It's inspiring West Yorkshire and it's inspiring people."

Sir Keir, who used the visit to call for the government to backtrack over its guidance on households mixing at Christmas, said he wanted to return to the foodbank in 2021 so he could shake hands with volunteers.

"I think we will turn the corner," he added.

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"I believe the vaccine is for real and it will make a difference. I think next year things will gradually get better.

"Hopefully I can come back here next year, take the masks off and shake hands. Shaking hands feels a very 2019 thing to do!"

Local Democracy Reporting Service