Record Fall in Immigration Under Starmer
Net migration to the UK has fallen significantly during Keir Starmer's premiership, driven by fewer health and care visas and the closure of Ukraine and Afghanistan humanitarian schemes. In his first year, Starmer tightened English requirements, restricted worker and student visas, doubled the time to qualify for permanent residence, and introduced a 'one in, one out' agreement with France on small boat returns. Despite these measures, 86% of people perceive high tension between immigrants and UK-born residents, up from 74% in 2023, according to Professor Bobby Duffy's research.
NHS Waiting Times Improve
Starmer pledged to end backlogs, targeting 92% of patients treated within 18 weeks by spring 2029. By April 2026, the number waiting over 18 weeks fell 21% from April 2024, and the elective waiting list dropped from 7.6 million to 7.2 million. The 65% target for treatment within 18 weeks was just cleared at 65.3%. Cancer diagnosis and A&E targets are also on track. However, social care funding decisions were deferred to an independent commission reporting in 2028.
Mixed Crime and Justice Record
Prisons were near capacity at the start of Starmer's term, exacerbated by the 2024 summer riots. Labour implemented two large prisoner releases: an early release scheme in September 2024 (record weekly release of 2,188 prisoners) and the Sentencing Act 2026 in April. The court backlog grew 10% since the election. The government announced plans to reduce jury trials for certain crimes, sparking criticism. While hospital admissions for stab wounds fell, less serious crimes like phone snatching and shoplifting rose through end of 2024 and remained stable.
Housing Target Under Pressure
Starmer promised 1.5 million homes by the next parliament (300,000 per year). After 18 months, 300,000 homes were added. Planning reforms included reclassifying industrial green-belt land as 'grey belt' and the Renters' Right Act banning no-fault evictions. However, construction is hampered by a lack of planning applications—only half the required rate by February—and soaring material costs: brick prices up 80% in a decade, sand and gravel up 30% since 2021. Social housing rents rose 8%, while availability fell due to right to buy.
Renewable Energy Surge
Renewables accounted for over half of UK electricity generation for the first time in 2026, outperforming fossil fuels even in winter. Approved renewable energy capacity tripled year on year. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband launched a plan for 95% clean power by 2030, ending the onshore wind ban and simplifying planning rules. The UK has nearly 3,000 green energy projects (52 GW capacity) with 325 under construction. Solar panel installations surpassed 2 million in March, mostly on rooftops.
Political Turmoil Continues
Starmer is the latest PM not to serve a full term. The linear trend since Thatcher suggests his successor will serve only 335 days. Polling shows Starmer, like Truss and Sunak, was significantly less popular than predecessors at the same point. He lost more ministers than Boris Johnson or Theresa May at this stage of their premierships.
