Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged Britain’s ruling Labour Party to ensure pillars of society are not abandoned in the face of looming technological advances and overseas threats.

In a speech to UK Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool on Sunday (local time), Albanese said it was critical for Australia and Britain to work closely together at a time of global uncertainty.

He said while governments could help solve large issues in society – such as climate change, housing and artificial intelligence – it required firm action.

“We approach this work with determination and with optimism,” Albanese said.

“Because all of these problems can be solved, all of these opportunities can be seized, but only if our people continue to see our institutions as the best way to make it happen.”

The speech to the conference came on the final full day of  Albanese’s three-day visit to the UK.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley had criticised him for attending the conference after Albanese as opposition leader criticised a visit from then-PM Scott Morrison in 2019 to a Donald Trump rally while on official business in the US.

But Albanese said the Labour conference was an opportunity to speak to British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and senior members of his government on issues such as the AUKUS security agreement.

Former prime minister Julia Gillard, who Albanese called “a Labor legend”, was also in the audience in Liverpool. Albanese’s fiancee Jodie Haydon was seen embracing her.

“In government, I value the opportunities we have to work together and get results, to take action together on issues that matter to our two nations and to the wider world,” he said.

“From standing together with the ‘coalition of the willing’ to help secure peace on Ukraine’s terms … and working together to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and build something better by recognising the state of Palestine.”

Albanese said the Australian and British governments had a responsibility to make difficult decisions while in office.

“While governments always need to be able to tell the difference between what’s urgent and what’s important, in the end, we have to do both,” he said.

“In an era where artificial intelligence is transforming our economies, we must stand up for secure jobs and fair wages.

“While we cannot always predict or control the challenges we will face, we can determine how we respond.”

Albanese will return to Australia via the United Arab Emirates, following a week abroad in Britain and the US for the United Nations General Assembly.

-AAP