LONDON – Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain has been lauded for his ability to garner international backing for Ukraine amidst the global upheaval caused by President Donald Trump’s economic and diplomatic maneuvers. Now, Starmer is striving to replicate his international success on domestic soil. Faced with an underperforming economy, Starmer unveiled on Thursday his intentions to overhaul the country’s civil service, government, and health system to transform the “flabby” British state into a more dynamic and efficient entity.
This announcement has stirred concern among trade unions and Starmer’s own party members, who fear that his objective of “reshaping the state” might translate into job losses and budget cuts. In a speech delivered to workers at a pharmaceutical firm in northern England, Starmer linked his agenda for international and domestic reforms, describing them as “national security” and “national renewal.”
Starmer expressed that the British state is at its weakest, overextended, lacking focus, attempting to tackle too much, and failing to deliver the security its citizens require. Having secured a sweeping electoral victory in July that marked the end of 14 years under Conservative rule, his center-left party faces diminishing support as overstretched public services and stagnant economic growth take their toll.
In a bid to revitalize defense, last month the government declared plans to raise defense spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, involving substantial financial outlay. Consequently, the government is expected to introduce tax hikes or spending cuts, or perhaps both, in its forthcoming budget statement in March. Savings will also be realized by cutting welfare benefits in an effort to encourage more individuals back into the workforce. However, organizations committed to supporting the impoverished and handicapped express concerns that these changes could deprive vulnerable community members of essential assistance.
In an unexpected move, Starmer dismantled NHS England, the semi-autonomous entity responsible for overseeing England’s public health system serving 56 million people. He argued that this would reduce bureaucracy and enhance system efficiency, albeit likely resulting in job reductions. He also pledged to reduce regulatory barriers and accelerate the adoption of AI, envisioning that within five years, one in ten civil servants will occupy a tech or digital role.
The ambitious strategy has been nicknamed “Project Chainsaw” by the media, drawing comparisons to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, though Starmer’s office downplayed the comparison as “juvenile.” Mike Clancy, general secretary of the Prospect union, implored the government to eschew the divisive rhetoric and tactics prevalent in the United States and ensure that reforms enhance rather than diminish the civil service.
On the international stage, Starmer prepares to tackle the unresolved future in Ukraine, as Washington seeks to conclude the conflict. His adept diplomacy, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to build a “coalition of the willing” for a prospective ceasefire while convincing Trump to persist in backing Kyiv. Starmer plans to convene leaders from approximately 25 nations for a conference call on Saturday to further outline these strategies.
Starmer affirmed on Thursday that the fates of Ukraine and Britain are interconnected. “If we don’t secure a just and lasting peace, the insecurity we’ve already experienced will persist … with elevated costs, increased bills, and an ongoing cost of living crisis,” he stated.