London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Sir Keir Starmer is launching a new plan to reassure voters that his government is working to improve their lives despite economic challenges and farmer protests.
Sir Starmer seeks to shift the narrative on his five-month-old government’s image after plunging approval ratings, tax hikes, and protests.
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative opposition leader labels it an “emergency reset” by a struggling administration.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson clarifies that the “plan for change” speech of Sir Starmer is not a relaunch but “the next phase” of government efforts to benefit voters.
Starmer’s Labour Party, elected in July and marking the end of 14 years of Conservative government, promised to jumpstart the UK economy and revive essential public services like the National Health Service.
The government has faced backlash, including from its own supporters, for not showing how these promises will deliver real, immediate improvements for citizens.
To regain public confidence, the Labour leader will present six “ambitious milestones” to allow voters to assess his government, with the hope of overcoming the criticism from several recent unpopular decisions.
In a scheduled speech at 11 am GMT in London, he will say, “Mission-led government does not mean picking milestones because they are easy or will happen anyway.”
A key promise in the plan is the addition of 13,000 more neighbourhood police officers over the next five years.
As reported by the AP News, Prime Minister Keir Starmer will say during the speech, “hard-working Brits … reasonably want a stable economy, their country to be safe, their borders secure, more cash in their pocket, safer streets in their town, opportunities for their children, secure British energy in their home, and an NHS that is there when they need it.”
During Starmer’s first weeks as Prime Minister, his leadership faced criticism over winter fuel payment cuts for pensioners, child benefit restrictions, and accepting gifts from a wealthy donor.
Just after Starmer assumed charge, race riots spread across the UK after the Southport stabbings, leading to more than 1,000 arrests and 300 sentences.
Sue Gray, Sir Keir’s chief of staff, resigned due to controversy surrounding her £170,000 salary, while the prime minister himself faced scrutiny over receiving gifts like tickets, clothes, and accommodation.
Recently, a protest of about 10,000 people took place in Westminster, opposing the decision to impose inheritance tax on some farm estates.
Last Friday, Starmer’s cabinet saw the resignation of Transport Minister Louise Haigh, who stepped down over an old fraud conviction related to a stolen phone she had reported.
However, critics argue that the Labour government’s business tax increase, rise in the national minimum wage, and plans for higher state borrowing will hinder its mission to stimulate the sluggish economy.
Keir Starmer was set to say in his speech, based on excerpts released by his office that “Some may oppose what we are doing, and undoubtedly there will be obstacles along the way.”
He will add, “But this government was elected on a mandate of change and our plan reflects the priorities of working people.”
The Prime Minister has repeatedly stated that his “tough decisions” are necessary due to the legacy inherited from 14 years of Conservative government.
The negative headlines have caused Keir Starmer’s poll ratings to decline, while the opposition Conservatives face similar unpopularity.
Sir Keir has made progress in re-establishing stronger ties with European nations after Brexit disputes.
Although the Prime Minister’s team has criticized Trump in the past, they have focused on building relations with the president-elect.
During a foreign-policy speech on Monday, Sir Keir stated, “When President Trump graciously hosted me for dinner in Trump Tower, I told him that we will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come.”
The Labour government is preparing to launch two new initiatives focused on growing household disposable incomes and improving preschool education.
A policy adviser during Labour’s previous tenure in Number 10, said “It’s about trying to use language that is going to connect with voters.”
Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary told the press on Thursday, “Before the election we had established these big missions: the things we wanted to do to change the country.”
She added, “But what today is about is what are the practical milestones that make a difference for communities.”
Starmer is ready to say in today’s speech, “This plan for change is the most ambitious yet honest programme for government in a generation.”