Keir Starmer's Six Milestones (Don't Call it a Relaunch)
Dec 5, 2024
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Henry Zeffman, Chief political correspondent for BBC News, and Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, dive into Keir Starmer's 'Plan for Change', highlighting six critical milestones for the economy and public services. They discuss the feasibility of these ambitious targets, the significance of real household income, and the importance of political accountability. The conversation also touches on balancing clean energy goals with infrastructure needs, while a lighthearted chat about holiday films adds a festive twist to the serious topics.
Keir Starmer's six milestones emphasize measurable targets in key areas to enhance government accountability and public trust.
Discussions reveal frustrations with the British civil service's inflexibility, highlighting a critical need for systemic reforms in governance.
Deep dives
Background and Rebranding of HTS
The Syrian militant group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) originated as an offshoot of Al-Qaeda but has rebranded itself in recent years to present a more credible image as a governing body. This transformation was a strategic move to gain legitimacy and support among local populations amid the chaos in Syria. HTS has sought to establish control over areas such as Aleppo by positioning itself as a viable alternative to other governing entities, focusing on local governance and public services. Their efforts highlight the complexities of rebel governance in conflict zones, where military strength alone is insufficient for lasting influence.
Keir Starmer's Six Milestones
Keir Starmer outlined six significant milestones for his government designed to measure success over the forthcoming years, focusing on areas such as the economy, crime, education, healthcare, and clean power. These milestones include specific targets like increasing real household disposable income and ensuring 92% of elective surgeries are completed without excessive waiting times. The inclusion of these measurable targets suggests a commitment to accountability, allowing the public to track the government's progress. Additionally, Starmer acknowledges that while these targets may appear to be classic political promises, they represent a shift towards clearer governance and priorities.
Frustrations with Civil Service
In discussions surrounding government efficiency, there are growing frustrations regarding the British civil service's ability to adapt to modern needs. Insights reveal that many officials share the sentiment that the current structure is not conducive to rapid change or effective bureaucratic action, highlighting a need for reform. This perspective resonates with criticism previously directed by Dominic Cummings regarding the inflexibility of Whitehall, suggesting that while expertise exists, the organization often struggles to implement timely decisions. These reflections reveal a broader consensus among ministers that systemic change is necessary for effective governance.
Targeting Growth and Infrastructure Challenges
The government's economic milestones aim for stronger growth while navigating existing infrastructure challenges, particularly in delivering essential projects. Ministerial discussions indicate a clear focus on ensuring tangible benefits of growth are felt across all regions, which contrasts with previous administrations where growth did not translate into improved living standards for many. The challenges of building infrastructure are compounded by regulations and the need to address environmental concerns, as seen in debating the balance between biodiversity protection and development. The conversation highlights a commitment to advancing infrastructure projects while ensuring they align with clean energy initiatives and public needs.
Today, the prime minister set out his ‘Plan for Change’ with six milestones focused on the economy, the NHS, climate, preschool education, policing and housebuilding.
Adam and Henry unpick what Keir Starmer said and ask whether these targets could become a challenge in the future.
And, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds MP speaks to Adam about how these milestones will work in practice.
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Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Gemma Roper. The technical producer was Hal Haines. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham
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