Keir Starmer reveals his plan to revive the country and the government

4 mins

The Labor Prime Minister, who arrived at Downing Street in July after 14 years of Conservative governments in United Kingdomunveiled his “plan for change” from the legendary Pinewood film studios, in Buckinghamshire, northwest of London, where films from the James Bond saga were notably filmed. This plan “ is the most ambitious and credible government program in a generation “, declared Keir Starmer. “ Today we are publishing new milestones, measurable milestones, which will also give the British people the power to hold us to account “, he insisted.

Since coming to power, the action of his government has been largely overshadowed by controversies, such as that over gifts received by several ministers and Keir Starmer himself from a rich donor, and unpopular decisions taken at the very beginning of his mandate on social assistance. The British are slow to see their daily lives improve, with sluggish economic growth, a rising unemployment rate and public services (education, health) still overwhelmed. More than half of them (53%) say they are disappointed with the government’s action, according to an Ipsos survey published on December 3.

Six priority objectives

The Prime Minister committed on December 5 to six objectives, including the construction of 1.5 million homes by 2030 and the approval of 150 infrastructure projects, increasing the standard of living in all regions of the country, the deployment of 13,000 community police officers or even the reduction of the wait to obtain treatment in the public health system, which is going through a major crisis.

The purpose of these milestones, some of which were already known, “ is to move our country forward », insisted Keir Starmer, estimating that achieving them by the end of the legislature would be a “ immense challenge “. This plan is displayed in “ breakup » with the “ unrealistic boasts » of former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson and with “ acceptance of decline » by Rishi Sunak, who was succeeded by Keir Starmer at Downing Street, he added. Since coming to power, Labor has notably accused the Conservatives of having masked the country’s complicated financial situation.

The Prime Minister’s speech confirms Labor has been in opposition for 14 years, but still not ready to govern “, quipped conservative opposition leader Kemi Badenoch about X, denouncing the absence of a concrete objective on immigration.

Big resources, but disappointing results

In five months, the government launched numerous construction sitesfor example by releasing 22 billion pounds (26.5 billion euros) by 2026 for the public health system in crisis. He also boosted wind and solar power to green electricity production, legislated to grant new social rights to workers and initiated emblematic reforms such as the nationalization of rail transport.

In terms of immigration, one of the major themes of the spring electoral campaign, the government has increased resources to fight against smugglers in an attempt to stop migrants crossing the Channel. But he alienated farmers by removing the exemption from inheritance tax from which they benefited. Retirees were hit by the abolition of the energy check for millions of them, while the budget and its massive tax increases disappointed businesses.

In addition, Keir Starmer had to part ways with his chief of staff, criticized for his management at the start of his mandate, while his Transport Minister was forced to resign this week after admitting to having lied to the police in an old case of supposedly stolen phone.

Last week, a petition calling for Keir Starmer to resign and for new elections garnered almost three million signatures, helped by the support of American billionaire Elon Musk on his social network X.

Also readUnited Kingdom: a bitter start to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s mandate