Starmer labels the ‘collapse’ of music and drama in state schools ‘stupid’

Speaking at Labour’s 2021 conference, Keir Starmer criticised the Conservatives' treatment of arts subjects in schools, saying that employers need ‘well-rounded’ young people who are ‘ready for work’. 

According to Starmer, young people need to be ‘skilled in life’ and able to ‘communicate and work in a team’. He continued: ‘That’s why it’s stupid to allow theatre, drama and music to collapse in state schools.’ 

'When you don’t invest in young people, the whole nation suffers and the less fortunate get behind.' Starmer added. 

In his nearly 90-minute long speech on Thursday, the party leader stated that Labour wants ‘every child to get the chance to play competitive sport and play an instrument.’ 

He added: ‘When I was in school, I had music lessons with Fatboy Slim. I can’t promise that for everyone. Not even in Brighton,’ he quipped. 

In the 2019 Conservative manifesto and the 2020 Budget, the government promised to ‘invest in arts, music and sport’. Earlier this month, it was revealed by former schools minister Nick Gibb that the so-called ‘arts premium’ is now subject to this year’s Spending Review.

Keir Starmer was a junior exhibitioner at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama until the age of 18. In an interview in 2015, he said that he played flute, recorder, piano and violin.