LONDON — Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom is working to reshape public perception of his administration, which has faced dismal approval ratings and discontent among the business community due to looming tax increases. Additionally, ongoing protests from farmers have disrupted traffic in London, further complicating the government’s standing.
In response, Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative opposition, has labeled this initiative as an “emergency reset” for a government that appears to be struggling. However, Starmer’s team claims that the forthcoming “Plan for Change” speech, scheduled for Thursday, is not intended to be a total overhaul or a major shift in direction. Instead, they describe it as “the next phase” of their strategy aimed at demonstrating to voters that improvements are in the pipeline.
Starmer’s Labour Party, which came into power in July after 14 years of Conservative leadership, ascended with the commitment to revitalize Britain’s lagging economy and enhance public services like the National Health Service (NHS). Nevertheless, they have faced backlash, even from within their own ranks, for not clearly indicating how citizens can expect their circumstances to improve in the near future.
During his speech, Starmer will outline specific “milestones” designed to track advancements in various areas, such as economic growth, renewable energy, childcare and education reforms, enhancing the NHS, and addressing crime reduction. A notable aspect of the plan includes a commitment to adding 13,000 neighborhood police officers over the next five years.
In his address, Starmer intends to highlight what he believes working-class Britons deserve: a stable economy, safety within their communities, financial relief, secure borders, opportunities for future generations, reliable energy sources, and an NHS that is accessible when they require assistance.
The government is aiming to counteract a wave of unfavorable press regarding its financial policies, which they argue were necessitated by the substantial fiscal deficit left by the previous Conservative administration, estimated to be a £22 billion ($28 billion) “black hole.”
Among the spending cuts made was the withdrawal of winter heating assistance from millions of retirees, a decision that has drawn criticism, especially given Starmer’s past acceptance of clothing and other complimentary items during a time when many families are facing a tight budget.
The government’s initial budget presented in late October included substantial funding for the health system, but also featured tax increases for employers, alarming many businesses. Additionally, for the first time in decades, farmers are being subjected to inheritance tax, prompting widespread protests in November where thousands of farmers converged near Parliament, voicing concerns that the new levy could threaten numerous family farms. The government argues that three-quarters of farms will be exempt from the tax under these new provisions.
Recently, Starmer faced another setback when Transport Secretary Louise Haigh resigned due to an old fraud conviction concerning a stolen phone she had reported. This kind of bad news has propelled Starmer’s popularity scores into negative figures, even though the Conservative opposition does not appear to be faring any better in public opinion polls.
Internationally, Starmer has experienced greater success as he endeavors to mend the United Kingdom’s ties with its European neighbors after a period of tension attributed to Brexit. However, there are risks associated with this approach: it may provoke backlash from incoming President Donald Trump, who has been openly critical of the EU and hinted at imposing tariffs on European products.
Historically, members of Starmer’s administration have criticized Trump’s positions, yet there has been a concerted effort to foster relations with the president-elect. Prior to the recent U.S. elections, Starmer even dined with Trump in New York City.
“I conveyed during dinner in Trump Tower that our commitment to the transatlantic relationship with our American allies would deepen in the coming years,” Starmer remarked in a foreign policy dialogue on Monday. He has dismissed notions suggesting that the UK must choose between its American and European allies, emphasizing that the national interest necessitates collaboration with both.