A Year of Labour: Evaluating Starmer's Government Through Promises and Challenges

On 5 July 2024, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government took office with a strong mandate, aiming to transform Britain. However, as they reflect on their first year, the reality of political challenges makes for a complex evaluation across several key areas.

Economic Growth: Labour’s primary goal was to boost the economy and improve living standards after years of stagnation. With GDP per person rising only by about 0.5%, the government faced difficulties in achieving its ambition of leading G7 growth. High minimum wages and increased National Insurance contributions have put pressure on businesses, resulting in a decline of over 250,000 jobs, especially in hospitality and retail sectors.

Immigration: One of Labour’s pledges was to reduce net migration and tackle illegal crossings. Although there was a notable decline in net migration figures, much of this was attributed to policies initiated by the prior government. Additionally, new laws aimed at tightening entry further have yet to be implemented. As small boat crossings surged, the government’s attempts to control migration have faced significant scrutiny, raising public frustration and political challenges.

Foreign Relations: Starmer has successfully engaged with allies, maintaining strong ties with the U.S. and EU while supporting Ukraine. However, critics argue that the government has been overly cautious, especially regarding sanctions on Russia and the Middle Eastern peace process. The public and international relations have also been strained by cuts to foreign aid as part of spending adjustments.

Education: A recruitment drive for 6,500 teachers was promised, alongside VAT on private school fees to fund it. Yet, the recruitment target has not been met, and many fear that increased private school costs are driving students away, raising concerns about the quality and availability of education.

Welfare Reform: Plans to enhance welfare support have met with backlash due to significant U-turns on policies affecting pensioners and stricter eligibility for various benefits. This inconsistency has fostered disappointment among advocates for disabled and vulnerable populations.

Healthcare: The government has made some strides in tackling NHS waiting lists, promising millions of additional appointments, but lingering issues remain. Structural changes, including the dismantling of NHS England, have raised concerns among health professionals about a potential distraction from improving patient care.

In conclusion, while Labour has made progress in several areas, they grapple with public expectations and the harsh realities of governmental responsibilities, leading to a mixed year filled with both promises and challenges.