UK PM admits slow progress, vows turning point in 2026

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged that the change promised in Labour’s 2024 election manifesto will finally begin to be felt in 2026, acknowledging that progress so far has fallen short of public expectations, Sky News reports.

In his New Year’s message, Sir Keir conceded that delivering change had not been an “overnight job” and admitted that many people were still struggling with the cost of living. “For many, life is still harder than it should be,” he said, noting that families were often left without the money for “a meal out,” “a holiday,” or “a chance to make a special family moment extra special.”

The prime minister, whose popularity has declined amid rumours of leadership challenges, insisted that the coming year would mark a turning point. “In 2026, the choices we’ve made will mean more people will begin to feel positive change in your bills, your communities and your health service,” he said.

“But even more people will feel once again a sense of hope, a belief that things can and will get better, feel that the promise of renewal can become a reality, and my government will make it that reality.”

Sir Keir outlined a series of commitments, including “more police on the streets by March,” lower energy bills and an increase in new health hubs by April, alongside “more funding for local communities.” He added: “And with that change, decline will be reversed.”

Positioning his government as one determined to “reverse a decade of decline” under Conservative rule, Sir Keir nevertheless warned that the scale of the task should not be underestimated. “Renewal is not an overnight job,” he said, stressing that “the challenges we face were decades in the making.”

Beyond domestic political pressure, the prime minister acknowledged broader headwinds, including sluggish economic growth in the UK and globally, as well as an increasingly unstable international environment. Despite this, he vowed to get Britain “back on track.”

Opposition leaders also delivered New Year messages. Conservative 

leader Kemi Badenoch adopted a lighter tone, saying: “There is a lot to look forward to this year. No, not Labour’s tax rises! But a Winter Olympics, a World Cup, and for political geeks, local elections!”

She went on to highlight low economic growth, higher taxes, and unemployment in 2025, describing the situation as “difficult for many people,” and said her party was working on a “Get Britain Working again” plan focused on supporting businesses.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey pointed to his party’s performance in the May local elections and expressed confidence ahead of upcoming council and assembly contests. “We can win again in 2026 — in Scotland, Wales and across England,” he said. “To stop Trump’s America becoming Farage’s Britain. And change our country for the better.” 

By Vafa Guliyeva