video screenshot

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared his commitment to "defeat the decline and division" in Britain during his New Year's message, assuring the public that 2026 will bring "positive change." Acknowledging that "things have been tough in Britain for a while," Starmer promised improvements like lower bills, more police, and new health hubs, highlighting his government’s focus on renewal.

It's been a challenging year for Starmer, with slow economic growth, waning poll ratings, and whispers of a leadership challenge. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, painted 2025 as a year of "no growth" and "record unemployment." However, she expressed optimism, asserting her party's plans to rejuvenate the economy and strengthen public services, from the NHS to the armed forces.

Starmer shared his frustrations about the slow pace of change, stating it’s not an overnight task. Emphasising perseverance, he promised tangible benefits like frozen rail fares and increased minimum wages in 2026. Starmer envisions these measures leading to renewed hope and transformation for the nation.

As the country looks forward to May's local elections, the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK are preparing for potential gains. Lib Dem leader, Sir Ed Davey, is confident about "winning again in 2026," leveraging past electoral success and aiming to transform Britain. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage remains optimistic, positioning his party as ready to deliver "hope" and criticising major parties for ignoring new technology sectors.

SNP leader John Swinney reminisced about Scotland's sporting victories and anticipates upcoming international competitions. His remarks reflect a year plagued by global "conflict and upheaval," yet he remains hopeful for better prospects, reported the BBC.

Key Takeaways:

• Prime Minister Starmer pledges improvements in 2026, despite a tough 2025.

• Conservatives and Reform UK critique the status quo, offering alternative visions.

• SNP, Lib Dems, and Reform UK all keen on potential gains in upcoming elections.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-01

 

 

Drivel... They can't even tell lies without being dishonest ... Should all be arrested for High Treason!

Empty words. Few will listen to him, even fewer will believe that what he says will happen.

For balance though, I wouldn't believe any politician from any political party. On absolutely anything. They are all truly useless.

9 minutes ago, Watawattana said:

Empty words. Few will listen to him, even fewer will believe that what he says will happen.

For balance though, I wouldn't believe any politician from any political party. On absolutely anything. They are all truly useless.

That's true. While an improvement on what came before him since 2014, he's been a tremendous disappointment and may be unsavable.

Just go to Davos and spare us the gaslighting.

You are the cause of the decline you commie clown.

You're finished in the UK and you will be remembered as the worse PM of all time that led to the disintegration of Labour. Nice legacy muppet.

Clearly your father made tools on the larger side.

I knew before the Labour landslide that UK was in for a miserable 3 to 4 years of austerity, benefit cuts and long waiting times for NHS treatment but the alternative was even less inviting.

Starmer is no showman and isn’t as “funny” as some who preceded him but I’m sure that he genuinely has the welfare of all on his radar.

The frothing far right calling Starmer a “commie” shows just how delusional they have become.

C’mon right wingers: show any policies that Starmer has put on the Statute Book that have any semblance of Communism.

2 minutes ago, Red Forever said:

C’mon right wingers: show any policies that Starmer has put on the Statute Book that have any semblance of Communism

Exactly right

I agree with you a lovely man who has helped the poor refugees and created diversity culture in the UK

He has brought more doctors and scientists to the UK more than any other PM

He has created transexual rights and the freedom for transexuals to be accepted and the laws to stop the British flag and protests against immigration

I never forget the old guy who was arrested last year protesting against immigration...how dare he be racist ..I think he later died in jail .

7 hours ago, Red Forever said:

I knew before the Labour landslide that UK was in for a miserable 3 to 4 years of austerity, benefit cuts and long waiting times for NHS treatment but the alternative was even less inviting.

Starmer is no showman and isn’t as “funny” as some who preceded him but I’m sure that he genuinely has the welfare of all on his radar.

The frothing far right calling Starmer a “commie” shows just how delusional they have become.

C’mon right wingers: show any policies that Starmer has put on the Statute Book that have any semblance of Communism.

The land grab from farmers via inheritance tax.

Jailing political dissidents.

Larger state control by making people reliant on the welfare state.

The attacks on the (social) media.

Cancelling local elections.

Disregarding previous democratic votes.

The shutdown of free speech.

Declaring people criminals before trial.

I wouldn't be surprised if he "delayed" the next general election.

The guy is a commie tyrant with a quiff.

Oh dear, so we are going to have "hubs" in the UK!

But then, why not, after all it has worked so well here!

A bland, uninspiring speech from an (unfortunately) bland, uninspiring politician.

I agree with those posters who are disappointed with the performance of Starmer and this Labour government to date, but Starmer could have all the positive - and none of the negative - attributes of Atlee, Churchill, Wilson and Thatcher combined and some posters would still find fault with him.

2 hours ago, RayC said:

A bland, uninspiring speech from an (unfortunately) bland, uninspiring politician.

I agree with those posters who are disappointed with the performance of Starmer and this Labour government to date, but Starmer could have all the positive - and none of the negative - attributes of Atlee, Churchill, Wilson and Thatcher combined and some posters would still find fault with him.

Indeed. He has had a charisma bypass which wasn't immediately apparent prior to the election! Maybe it's the stress of the job, but he needs to get his act together, implement another bloody 'reset' or resign so that someone better can take over. If his legacy is ushering in a far-right government, there will be serious trouble ahead.

10 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Indeed. He has had a charisma bypass which wasn't immediately apparent prior to the election! Maybe it's the stress of the job, but he needs to get his act together, implement another bloody 'reset' or resign so that someone better can take over. If his legacy is ushering in a far-right government, there will be serious trouble ahead.

Agreed, however what I find more concerning is the lack of direction within the Labour Party and the lack of a viable, electable alternative to Starmer. Rayner is tainted; Mahmood is unacceptable to the racists; Miliband is seen as out of touch; Burnham? Maybe in time but needs to find a seat.

Like them or loath them, the makers of 'New Labour' had a clear purpose, direction and exceptional organisational and PR skills; you could say the exact opposite about 'Labour 2025'. Whether Blair or Brown would have been any more successful in managing the UK's current problems is a moot point, but Campbell would undoubtedly have made a better fist at managing the messaging.

On 1/3/2026 at 7:34 PM, brewsterbudgen said:

Indeed. He has had a charisma bypass which wasn't immediately apparent prior to the election!

His handlers knew the only way he could win was to say as little as possible. They learnt what happened when Kamala was allowed in front of the cameras.

On 1/3/2026 at 7:34 PM, brewsterbudgen said:

Maybe it's the stress of the job, but he needs to get his act together, implement another bloody 'reset' or resign so that someone better can take over. If his legacy is ushering in a far-right government, there will be serious trouble ahead.

That will be his legacy. The man who destroyed Labour, set Britain back decades and ushered in Reform. Thankfully 2 of the 3 are good things as far as I am concerned but obviously you only like one of them.