Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has invoked the spirit of former Labour leader Tony Blair, pledging that 'things can and will get better' for Britain in his New Year's message to the nation.
A Pledge to Reverse Decline
In his address, Sir Keir directly confronted the challenges facing the country, insisting his Government would 'defeat the decline and division offered by others'. He committed to 'staying the course' with policies designed to improve crucial public services and ease the persistent cost of living crisis.
The Prime Minister did not shy away from acknowledging the current reality for many households, admitting that life remains 'harder than it should be' for a significant number of Britons. However, he struck an optimistic note for the future, promising that more people would begin to feel 'a sense of hope' in the coming months.
A Turbulent Year and Testing Times Ahead
This message of resilience comes at the end of a notably turbulent first year for the Labour administration. The Government has faced headwinds including sluggish economic growth and internal leadership rumblings, all against a backdrop of dismal poll ratings.
The political pressure is set to intensify with local elections scheduled for May next year, which are widely seen as a critical mid-term test of public confidence in Sir Keir's leadership and policy agenda.
Your Voice in the Daily Mail Poll
Now, Daily Mail readers have the opportunity to give their verdict on the Prime Minister's promises. The latest poll asks: 'Do you agree with Sir Keir's promise that his Government will make life better in 2026?'
This follows yesterday's poll, which posed the question: 'Is Reform UK 'genuinely the last chance for Britain', as Nigel Farage claims?' The response was decisive: out of more than 19,000 votes, 84 per cent said 'yes' and 16 per cent said 'no'.
As the country looks towards 2026, the debate over the nation's direction and the Government's ability to deliver on its pledges is firmly underway.
