London, Jan 1 (.) Noting the increased public frustration over the country’s declining economy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday said he empathised with the people, and underscored that his government has taken steps to mitigate the increasing cost burden on the people.
Starmer said the measures would reduce the effects of the costlier living standards and public services, arguing that the public would soon begin to note a change for the better in 2026.
Speaking against a backdrop of sluggish growth, weak poll ratings and speculation about internal dissent within the Labour Party, Starmer said he shared the country’s impatience but urged voters to judge his government over the longer term. “I share the frustration about the pace of change,” he said, reports BBC.
“The challenges we face were decades in the making, and renewal is not an overnight job.”
Terming the coming year a turning point for the country’s economy, he stated that British households would soon begin seeing a “positive change” in their bills, communities and public services.
Pointing to the various measures already announced, including frozen rail fares, prescription charges and fuel duty, alongside a rise in the national minimum wage and a reduction in energy costs, he said, “Things have been tough in Britain for a while.”
Adding that people should now start to see tangible improvements, including lower bills, more police on the streets and new health hubs, he remarked that more officers would be deployed by March to address crime and disorder, while additional health facilities would open in April as part of efforts to ease pressure on the NHS.
“In 2026, the choices we’ve made will mean more people will begin to feel positive change,” Starmer said. “But even more people will feel once again a sense of hope — a belief that things can and will get better.”
The British premier also highlighted what he described as a £150 ($190) reduction in average household energy bills, a “major cut” in the cost of childcare and increased funding for local communities.
“Putting our country back on a stable footing will become our strength,” he said. “By staying the course, we will defeat the decline and division offered by others.”
The address comes amid growing criticism that Labour has been slow to deliver on its promises since taking office. Reports in recent weeks have suggested Starmer could face a leadership challenge, though senior party figures have publicly dismissed the idea.
Responding separately, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch painted a far bleaker picture of the past year, saying 2025 had brought “no growth, higher taxes and record unemployment”.
While arguing that Britain was “not destined for decline”, she said her party would prioritise backing business and fixing the economy to fund defence, policing, schools and the NHS.
Worsening Starmer’s poll ratings and London’s woes, over the next five years, the tax burden is projected to climb to a record 38% of the total GDP, with estimates suggesting more than 1.7 million workers will either enter the tax system for the first time or move into higher tax brackets.
Despite the massive controversy, however, Starmer defended his approach, deeming it as a necessity in order to stabilise the economy and rebuild public services. “We are getting Britain back on track,” he said.
“By staying the course, renewal can become a reality — and my government will make it so.” . . .