Sir Keir Starmer has hailed 2024 as a “year of change” as he shared his first New 12 months message as prime minister.
However the Labour chief, who took workplace after a staggering common election victory over the Conservatives in July, admitted there may be “still so much more to do” in 2025.
It’s going to embody a plan to ensure there shall be “more cash in your pocket”, in addition to a raft of different initiatives for “change”.
Nearly six months into the prime minister’s time in Downing Road, Sir Keir is battling criticisms of his occasion’s administration of the economic system and the course wherein he’s taking the nation.
Regardless of this, the Labour chief’s New 12 months message largely takes an optimistic tone, celebrating a “year of changing Britain for the better” and looking out ahead to a “fight for change” that can outline “every waking hour of this government”.
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The prime minister additionally takes a second to joke that his mantra of “change” did not prolong to soccer in 2024, lamenting “another agonisingly close shave for England” within the Euros closing.
He stated: “But change in politics, with the election of this Labour government in July. And more importantly, with the work of change that we have begun.
“The minimal wage shall be raised by a report quantity. Wages are up extra broadly. Returns of international nationwide criminals – up 20%. Billions of kilos price of latest initiatives in clear British vitality making our nation safer. And over £25bn invested in our NHS beginning to lower ready lists in your native hospital.
“Now, I do know there may be nonetheless a lot extra to do. And that for many individuals it is exhausting to consider the longer term while you spend your whole time preventing to get by way of the week.
“So I want to be clear. Until you can look forward and believe in the promise and the prosperity of Britain again, then this government will fight for you.”
The prime minister says this “fight for change” will “define this year, next year, and indeed – every waking hour of this government”.
He mentions his “Plan for Change”, vowing to deal with a “year of rebuilding” for the nation – and “rediscovering the great nation that we are”.
“We have a clear plan for change: 1.5 million new homes – restoring the dream of home ownership; children starting school, ready to learn; a more secure energy system; waiting lists cut dramatically; immigration – reduced; neighbourhood police, tackling anti-social behaviour in every community; and more cash in your pocket, wherever you live,” Sir Keir explains.
“A nation that gets things done. No matter how hard or tough the circumstances.
“We could have time to replicate on that this yr. An opportunity, with the eightieth anniversary of VE and VJ day, to cherish the best victories of this nation. And the best era that achieved it.
“But that victory – and indeed the peace and the prosperity that followed – all rested on that same foundation we must rebuild today.
“The safety of working folks. That’s the function of this authorities. The aim of our Plan for Change. And we’ll push it ahead in 2025.”
The prime minister concludes: “Here is to a yr of fixing Britain for the higher.”
Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, has also shared his New Year message.
He has called on Labour to “be a lot bolder” to deliver “actual change” and tackle the challenges facing the UK in 2025.
The Lib Dem leader also used his New Year message to claim instability and insecurity around the world has been “made worse” by Donald Trump’s re-election in the US.
Sir Ed is looking forward to the next year with “real hope”, he will say, as the UK has “the folks, the grit, the expertise, the companies – and the suitable values, to alter issues for the higher”.
Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said in his message that the UK has been “appallingly led” for several decades.
He said: “We’re in societal decline, we’re in financial decline, most individuals are getting poorer with yearly that passes, we’re dropping any sense of nationwide identification and we’re truly instructing children at college that folks like Winston Churchill – born on this palace – are dangerous folks and that our nation’s historical past is one thing to be ashamed of.”
Mr Farage said Reform’s campaigning will include calls for “correct border controls” and to scale back the price of residing.
