Starmer Defends 2024 Policy Choices as Blair Says Labour Lacks a Coherent Plan

10 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 28

Starmer said Labour’s decisions since taking office in 2024 were the right response to the inheritance it faced, rejecting Tony Blair’s claim that the government has "no coherent plan."
Blair’s 5,600-word essay argued higher employer National Insurance, stronger workers’ rights and the oil-and-gas phaseout had held back business, while urging changes to parts of the net-zero agenda and faster welfare reform.
Starmer countered that his government had been "vindicated," citing stronger-than-expected early-year UK growth, public-service investment and falling NHS waiting lists.
The clash lands as Labour’s poll ratings have slumped after election setbacks, ministerial resignations and policy U-turns, with a Makerfield by-election looming against a surging Reform UK.
That contest could shape Labour’s direction: Andy Burnham is expected to mount a leadership bid if he wins, while Starmer said he would not "walk away" in any summer challenge.

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