After 14 years in opposition, Labour is back in government, but cracks are already starting to show in its policy promises.
Sir Keir Starmer and his Labour Party have been in power for just under 200 days. They initially promised sweeping reforms and bold changes, but some of their key commitments appear to be softening under economic pressures.
For example, when former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak eased the UK’s net zero targets, Labour harshly criticized him, with Ed Miliband calling the move “chaotic” and “out of touch.” Now, Labour itself is making similar concessions.
Labour has adjusted the plan to ban gas boilers by 2035. Instead of banning all gas boilers, the new rule will only apply to newly built homes, allowing existing homes to keep theirs. Ed Miliband said the change was made due to concerns about the cost of greener alternatives.
Labour’s ambitious targets for electric vehicle sales are also being reconsidered. After pushback from the automotive industry, the government is consulting on easing penalties for carmakers who miss sales quotas, letting them catch up in future years. However, the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel vehicles remains unchanged.
Labour’s original promise of 100% clean energy by 2030 has been revised. The new goal is now 95% clean power by the end of the decade.
The sustainable aviation fuel mandate, which could raise flight costs significantly, is under review. Labour is considering adjustments to avoid steep price increases for travelers.
The government argues that these changes balance the need for climate action with protecting the economy, but critics warn they could damage Labour’s credibility as an environmental leader.
Despite these changes, Labour has followed through on other commitments. It has introduced planning reforms to build 1.5 million homes by 2029, including changes to national planning policy and opening up some greenbelt areas.
Industry leaders have praised these efforts, though more investment in affordable housing is still needed.
On immigration, Labour has taken a tougher stance, deporting 16,400 illegal migrants in its first six months — the highest rate since 2018. Sir Keir emphasized that deporting migrants to their home countries is more effective than the previous government’s Rwanda scheme.
While Labour has made progress in some areas, the growing list of policy changes is raising questions about whether it can maintain its ambitious reform agenda.
