5 DECEMBER 2024 | NEWS
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has set out his new priorities for government, describing these as “milestones”.
In his speech, Sir Keir said that these would be the measures by which the electorate could judge the success of the new Labour Government in advance of the next General Election, which is anticipated to be held in 2029.
The targets he announced were as follows:
- * higher living standards across the country, in order to deliver the highest sustained growth among G7 nations;
- * building 1.5 million homes in England, while accelerating planning decisions on some 150 major infrastructure projects;
- * tackling hospital backlogs, such that the NHS meets a target of no more than 18 weeks for planned treatment for 92% of patients in England;
- * a named police officer for every neighbourhood in England and Wales, alongside the recruitment of 13,000 more police officers (including PCSOs) and special constables;
- * ensuring that at least 75% of children are ‘ready to learn’ when they start school;
- * aiming for at least 95% clean power across the nation by 2030.
The Prime Minister told journalists that these were the six “missions” of his new Government, describing his administration as “mission-led”. He added that these were “measurable milestones that will also give the British people the power to hold our feet to the fire, because that accountability is part of how we shift the focus in Westminster towards long-term change”.
But Conservative and Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch said the Prime Minister’s announcement was an “emergency reset”, adding that it “confirms that Labour had 14 years in opposition and still weren’t ready for government”. She further stated that the Government had “no plan to control numbers” on immigration.
And Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said “people want real change instead of a government simply moving the goalposts”.
The Prime Minister said in his speech: “Today, we publish new milestones, measurable milestones that will also give the British people the power to hold our feet to the fire, because that accountability is part of how we shift the focus in Westminster towards long-term change.”
The Prime Minister also announced 150 “major infrastructure projects”, which he said would “triple the number of decisions on national infrastructure compared with the last Parliament”. He added, however, that he did not wish to burden citizens with “ever-rising taxes” in order to achieve these.
Reform UK also responded, telling the press: “Keir Starmer’s milestones for government don’t include immigration or any measurable targets to hold him to on immigration.
“After freezing pensioners, hiking taxes and risking the future of British farming, the damage has already been done.
“We were promised growth and change – instead we have had sleaze, dishonesty and more of the same that the Tories gave us.”
A recent poll saw Reform UK overtaking Labour in Westminster voting intention, coming in at 24% of those surveyed. Its Chairman, Zia Yusuf, said: “Reform has all the momentum in British politics.”
He added: “We recently surged past 100,000 members, are adding members at a record pace, and we are just getting started.
“The British people want real change after years of failure and deception. Reform will form the next government of the United Kingdom.”
The polling data referred to by the party indicates a slight preference for the Conservatives in government at 26%, with Reform trailing only slightly at 24%. This suggests the possibility of a hung parliament or the formation of a governing coalition.
The Labour Party came in only slightly lower at 23% of those polled. It was approached for comment, but has not responded at the time of writing.
