Sir Keir also addressed the summer riots triggered by the Southport knife attack.
He denounced the riots as “violent thuggery” and said people who were concerned about immigration should not be confused with those who “smashed up businesses” and “attempted to burn refugees”.
He said the government wanted to reduce “both net migration and our economic dependency upon it” but added: “The debate is not about the worth of migrants – that is toxic and we must move beyond it.”
During a section on the Middle East, Sir Keir mis-spoke when instead of calling for a release of hostages, he called for a release of sausages.
He also said there should be de-escalation between Lebanon and Israel, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution.
A pro-Palestine heckler briefly interrupted the speech. In response, Sir Keir said: “This guy’s obviously got a pass to the 2019 conference” a reference to the last time Jeremy Corbyn was leader.
“While he’s been protesting, we’ve been changing the party,” Sir Keir added.
He did not address criticisms he has faced in recent weeks about donations and tensions within his government.
