**A Year in Power: Assessing Labour’s Performance by BBC Correspondents**
**Introduction to Labour’s Tenure**
On July 5, 2024, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government commenced its term with a significant majority and expansive goals aimed at rejuvenating the United Kingdom. The government’s messaging, notably revolving around the notion of “change,” asserted an ambitious drive to address various challenges faced by the nation. However, the journey thus far has revealed the stark contrasts between aspiration and the political realities that often thwart governmental intentions. Over the past year, BBC News correspondents have evaluated Labour’s performance across six key policy domains.
**Economic Growth: A Rocky Start**
The government’s foremost commitment has been to stimulate economic growth and enhance the financial well-being of citizens. Over the preceding 15 years, the UK has seen its expansion rate dwindle, with many citizens feeling stagnant in their living standards. Initially, the economy experienced a disheartening flatline during the latter half of 2024—prompting ministers to temper their ambitions regarding achieving the highest growth rates among the G7 nations. However, early 2025 has shown some signs of optimism, with GDP per capita rising slightly by half a percent. Nonetheless, the growth remains nominal, and concerns linger regarding the sustainability of this economic revival.
Officials, such as Rachel Reeves, have pointed out that shifting global dynamics, including international trade conflicts led by figures like former President Donald Trump, complicate the path to achieving economic goals. Furthermore, recent policy implementations like the minimum wage increase have generated tensions among businesses, which are now grappling with reductions in profits and staffing levels—evident in sectors such as hospitality and retail, which have shed over 250,000 jobs in the past year.
**Immigration and Asylum: Stricter Controls Amid Complexity**
Labour’s ambition to reduce net migration and curb illegal crossings has seen mixed results. Key pledges highlighted the government’s intent to decrease reliance on overseas labor by enhancing visa regulations and coupling immigration with employment training. However, while net migration numbers have dipped since the election, this decline chiefly stems from restrictions imposed prior to Labour’s tenure rather than new measures taken since coming to office.
Efforts to improve the asylum process and combat human trafficking have met substantial challenges as irregular crossings have increased under Labour’s watch. Although the government has announced new laws aimed at tightening immigration regulations, the realities of asylum support and high numbers of appeals present substantial hurdles that remain unaddressed.
**International Relations: Navigating Complex Waters**
The Starmer administration has also pledged to bolster alliances, particularly with the US, while recalibrating ties with the European Union. The government has succeeded in negotiating tariff deals and maintaining the AUKUS partnership. Starmer’s diplomatic maneuvers regarding Ukraine have included active support against Russian aggression and efforts to bridge gaps between Western leaders.
However, critiques of the government’s foreign policy highlight a perceived hesitance to confront Russia effectively. The administration is also facing pressure to take a stronger stance regarding Middle Eastern conflicts, specifically related to Israel and its actions in Gaza. Critics argue that Labour’s approach may not be aggressive enough to yield impactful results.
**Education Reform: Treading Lightly**
The pledge to recruit 6,500 new teachers and impose VAT on private school fees has unfolded with mixed triumphs. As the government combats teacher shortages and fluctuating educational standards, it has struggled to meet recruitment targets while private institutions witness a decrease in enrollment, sparking debates about the long-term sustainability of educational funding initiatives. The effect of reorganizing the funding model for private institutions remains a point of contention, especially as proponents argue for addressing underlying issues like Special Educational Needs (SEND) reforms.
**Welfare Policy: U-Turns and Uncertainty**
Welfare reform has showcased the complexities of governance, culminating in notable policy reversals that underscore the government’s difficulty in balancing financial prudence with the promise of enhanced social support. The Labour administration’s initial intentions for welfare reform have transformed amid internal and external pressures, leading to significant modifications in proposed policies regarding Winter Fuel Allowance and eligibility for welfare benefits.
Feedback from stakeholders indicates increasing disillusionment regarding Labour’s commitment to social welfare, as critics express growing concerns about the direction of the National Care Service. The pending recommendations from the Casey Commission could shape Labour’s approach to adult social care reform in the years ahead.
**Health Care: Managing Expectations Amidst Challenges**
The NHS has been a focal point of Starmer’s governance, emphasizing the need to resolve long hospital waiting lists and enhance primary care access. Despite delivering additional NHS appointments, significant challenges remain, as waiting lists approach 7.39 million, far exceeding government targets. The ambitious restructuring of NHS England aims to eliminate bureaucracy in theoretical terms, yet critics suggest it may lead to diverted focus from patient care improvements.
**Conclusion: Looking Forward**
As the Labour government marked its first anniversary, it has navigated a complex landscape of expectations and deliverables.
