In a high-stakes speech on Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will reveal a series of tangible, measurable promises—described by senior government insiders as “measurable deliverables” — aimed at securing his government’s re-election. The announcement will focus on six key “milestones,” with concrete goals and deadlines, set to align with the timeline for the next general election.
While the move is bold, it carries inherent risks. Success against these specific targets will be clear, but so too will any failure. The milestones, three of which are dedicated to England, include promises to boost housebuilding and planning reforms, speed up NHS operation wait times, and improve pre-school education. Additionally, the government will aim to meet a greener energy target and put more police officers on the beat across England and Wales.
Starmer is expected to frame the plan as a response to public fatigue with unfulfilled promises, emphasizing the need for concrete action over what he calls “short-term sticking plaster politics.” “My government was elected to deliver change, and today marks the next step,” Starmer will declare. “People are tired of being promised the world, but short-term sticking plaster politics letting them down. My mission-led government will deliver.”
Critics and the Challenge of “Relaunch” Perception
The announcement has already sparked reactions from critics. The Conservative Party has branded the speech as an “emergency relaunch,” while the Liberal Democrats have dismissed the milestones as vague, claiming they lead “on the road to nowhere.” Despite these criticisms, government insiders appear unfazed, noting that the speech was carefully planned to shift beyond the initial “fixing the foundations” phase of their agenda.
Ministers have been working to craft a clearer narrative of their priorities, aiming to present the government’s focus in relatable terms. The government wants voters to understand what it is prioritizing, while also implicitly acknowledging what is being deprioritized. For example, immigration, both legal and illegal, is unlikely to feature prominently as a milestone, though the government will assert the importance of national security and economic security.
In terms of economic policy, Starmer is expected to focus on improving the financial well-being of families, offering voters concrete, personal benefits—such as more disposable income—rather than abstract promises of national economic growth. This shift is aimed at addressing concerns that previous messages lacked accessibility or clear, actionable steps.
Learning from the US Presidential Election
The government’s approach also appears influenced by lessons learned from recent American political campaigns. Senior figures note the importance of speaking to voters in clear, relatable terms. Ministers are committed to maintaining high growth within the G7 nations, but the message will shift toward how policies directly impact individuals, particularly in terms of household finances.
The six milestones come on the heels of Starmer’s “missions” announced in February 2023, which were intended to form the backbone of Labour’s election manifesto. While those early goals were seen by some as lacking the detailed, punchy promises necessary to resonate with voters, the new milestones are designed to be snappier and more memorable, offering clear promises with measurable outcomes.
Government Frustration and Hope for Reform
Inside Downing Street, there is growing frustration over the government’s ability to deliver the reforms needed to meet these promises. While more funding could help accelerate change, there is a belief that meaningful reform within government departments is necessary to achieve lasting results. The government is pinning hopes on better coordination between departments through “mission boards,” though critics argue such efforts are often ineffective and have been tried under previous administrations.
Further, there is a belief that technological innovations, particularly artificial intelligence, could be key to improving government efficiency and delivering more services with fewer resources. However, there is skepticism over whether these technological advances can be quickly implemented to meet the government’s ambitious goals.
A “Tsunami of Cynicism” Ahead?
One senior government figure acknowledged that the speech could face significant backlash, given the current climate of political cynicism and the history of broken promises from the Conservative Party. However, they remain optimistic that by keeping long-term promises, the government can weather the storm of skepticism.
The real challenge will lie in the delivery of these promises. While Starmer’s new approach seeks to counter voter apathy and focus on clear, practical outcomes, the success of these “milestones” will ultimately depend on the government’s ability to meet these expectations before the next general election.