UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer found himself in an awkward yet amusing situation during a speech at the Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool. On Tuesday, while addressing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Starmer accidentally called for the “return of sausages” instead of “hostages,” referring to civilians held by Hamas in Gaza.
The gaffe occurred as he was urging for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. Realizing his mistake mid-sentence, he quickly corrected himself, saying: “the return of the sausages – the hostages.” Despite the serious nature of the topic, the light-hearted slip went viral on social media, drawing laughter and reactions from viewers.
Starmer’s speech was part of a broader call for peace and a renewed commitment to a two-state solution—an internationally recognized proposal to establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel. While his message remained focused on diplomacy and resolving the crisis, the viral video of his slip became a highlight, with many users sharing it across platforms.
The humorous moment was widely discussed online, with some poking fun at the mix-up while others acknowledged the pressures of public speaking in high-stakes political situations. Despite the minor blunder, Starmer continued his speech, emphasizing the importance of security for Israel and the need for the protection and release of civilians caught in the conflict.
While Starmer’s slip provided a brief moment of levity, his primary message about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for peaceful solutions remained a key focus of his address.
