After a decisive election victory on July 4, newly elected Prime Minister of Britain Keir Starmer has pledged to implement swift changes to address the pressing needs of the UK, including public services and the economy. His six key priorities are as following.
Immigration
Starmer plans to eliminate the costly and ineffective Rwanda deportation policy. Instead, he will establish a new border security command to tackle illegal immigration. This comes in response to strong public support for the anti-immigration Reform UK party. Former PM Tony Blair has suggested digital ID cards to better manage immigration, while Starmer’s Border Security Bill will introduce new measures against organized crime and smuggling.
National Health Service (NHS) Strikes
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has declared the NHS “broken” and aims to resolve a pay dispute with junior doctors, who are demanding a significant pay rise. Although Starmer’s government won’t meet these demands, they pledge to negotiate constructively and increase NHS capacity with an additional 40,000 weekly appointments, scans, and operations. Alan Milburn, a former health secretary, may be brought in to help reduce waiting times.
Prisons Crisis
With prisons nearly full, Labour plans to maintain early-release schemes and accelerate new prison construction. New Prisons Minister James Timpson, who supports reform and employs ex-offenders, will lead a review of sentencing. Starmer acknowledges the difficulty of reducing reoffending while maintaining a tough stance on crime.
Planning Reform
Labour intends to speed up infrastructure projects and build 1.5 million new homes using brownfield and “grey belt” sites. This reform aims to overcome resistance from MPs and local authorities. With a strong parliamentary majority, Starmer’s government is set for significant changes in planning policy.
Relations with Nations and Regions
Starmer aims to reset relations with devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. His tour will establish collaborative working relationships and address specific regional issues, such as NHS problems in Wales and the controversial Legacy Act in Northern Ireland. Labour also plans to enhance regional devolution in England, addressing the financial challenges faced by many local councils.
EU Relations
Starmer seeks to improve relations with the EU, focusing on economic cooperation and reducing post-Brexit trade friction. Early discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron signal a reset in relations. Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to Berlin reinforced this intent, with plans to negotiate a veterinary agreement to ease trade. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ireland’s Taoiseach Simon Harris have expressed willingness to revisit the UK-EU trading relationship.