After months of dysfunction and miscommunication, is the Starmer method finally working? | Rafael Behr
GuardianDec 01
UK: PM Starmer Unveils Six Targets in 'Plan for Change' Speech
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Above: UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during his 'Plan for Change' speech at Pinewood Studios in Iver Heath, UK, on Dec. 5, 2024. Image copyright: Chris Ratcliffe/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled six measurable milestones for his government during his "Plan for Change" speech at Pinewood Studios on Thursday. The milestones focus on living standards, housing, policing, education, energy, and healthcare.
The targets include building 1.5M homes, recruiting 13K neighborhood police officers, ensuring 92% of National Health Service patients are treated within 18 weeks, and achieving 95% clean power by 2030.
The Spin
Left narrative
Starmer's targets offer a clear, practical vision for the UK's future. With targets focused on improving the NHS, building 1.5M new homes, reducing crime, and boosting living standards, Labour aims to tackle key national issues head-on. By prioritizing homegrown energy and safe streets, Starmer's government offers real solutions, focused on long-term progress rather than short-term political gains.
Right narrative
Starmer's latest political reset reflects a government without direction or a coherent message, watering down old promises without a clear strategy or bold ambition. The omission of immigration further highlights the government's failure to address key national concerns. With no coherent plan for growth or border security, these targets appear as empty commitments that do little to tackle the country's pressing problems.
