Prime Minister Keir Starmer will tell the British public next week that addressing the country’s numerous issues will be a prolonged process, cautioning that “things will get worse before we get better” in his upcoming speech. Describing it as an opportunity to be transparent with the public, Starmer will highlight the need for patience and perseverance.
Since his landslide election victory in July, Starmer has consistently criticized the former Conservative government for leaving Britain in a dire state, which he argues facilitated the recent anti-migrant riots.
In his speech, scheduled for Tuesday, just before Parliament returns from its summer break, Starmer will emphasize that “change won’t happen overnight” and that his government is committed to addressing a range of problems, from overcrowded prisons to extensive health service waiting lists. “When there is rot deep in the heart of a structure, you can’t just cover it up. You can’t tinker with it or rely on quick fixes. You have to overhaul the entire thing,” he will state.
Starmer will also discuss the broader challenges, including the inherited economic and societal issues, and acknowledge that things may deteriorate before they improve. “Part of that is being honest with people about the choices we face and how tough this will be,” he will say.
Having cut short his summer holiday to address riots targeting Muslims and migrants—riots sparked by misinformation surrounding the deaths of three young girls in northern England—Starmer will argue that the previous government’s failure to address systemic problems has made it harder to respond effectively.
He will criticize the exploitation of societal cracks by those inciting violence, stating, “They were betting on it, they were gaming it… after 14 years of populism and failure.”
Starmer will address Britain’s working people, including teachers, nurses, small business owners, and firefighters, noting that his government has already taken initial steps toward the changes voters demanded in July. However, he will acknowledge the tough decisions ahead due to the precarious state of public finances, with a projected £22 billion overspend this year.
“If we don’t take tough action across the board, we won’t be able to fix the foundations of the country like we need,” Starmer will assert, committing to making difficult decisions if they serve the nation’s long-term interests. “I won’t shy away from making unpopular decisions now if it’s the right thing for the country in the long term. That’s what a government of service means.”
