Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves’ policies are putting Britain at risk of losing its global influence. The country’s economic struggles, weak military, and outdated foreign policies could push the UK into a lower status in Europe.
A report from the Henry Jackson Society warns that if things don’t change, Poland could surpass the UK in GDP per person within five years. In 2023, the UK’s GDP per capita was $58,270, while Poland’s was $46,450. If Poland keeps growing at 4.3% per year while the UK grows at just 0.5%, Poland will overtake Britain by 2030.
The UK’s military is also struggling. British defense experts admit that if war broke out with Russia, the UK could only sustain combat for a few months. Meanwhile, the Labour government is giving away military assets, weakening Britain’s position in global affairs.
Economic problems are at the core of this decline. Growth has slowed to just 0.1%, national debt is rising, and high energy costs, strict planning rules, and high taxes are making it harder for businesses to compete. Labour’s strict net-zero policies are making energy more expensive, and business confidence has collapsed since Keir Starmer took office.
Labour’s tax hikes, like the rise in National Insurance, are putting more pressure on jobs and businesses. At the same time, new developments in Munich regarding Ukraine show that Europe can no longer rely on the US for protection, meaning Britain needs to increase its defense spending to at least 2.5% of GDP. However, that won’t be possible if the economy doesn’t grow.
Britain’s close relationship with the US is also under threat. Labour’s increasing ties with China, including trade visits to Beijing by David Lammy and Rachel Reeves, are causing tension with the US. Starmer’s controversial decision to hand over the Chagos Islands and £9 billion to Mauritius—a country with close ties to China—has weakened Britain’s global standing.
Labour is also making concerning energy deals. In pursuit of its net-zero goals, Starmer’s government is allowing Chinese companies to build wind farms in the North Sea, which could put the UK’s energy security at risk.
To fix these problems, Rachel Reeves needs to abandon Labour’s anti-business stance, stop excessive taxation, and reduce the cost of energy. Cutting down the rising benefits bill and helping British workers return to employment, rather than relying on mass immigration, would also help stabilize the economy.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy must prioritize Britain’s interests over unnecessary reparation payments to Caribbean nations. Meanwhile, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has to address the UK’s immigration system, which is costing billions. The UK currently spends £5.4 billion a year just on migrant housing—enough to reduce income tax for every British worker.
Despite these challenges, Britain still has strengths. It remains closely connected to the US in intelligence and military operations. If the government changes its approach to the economy, foreign policy, and immigration, the UK could reclaim its influence. Encouraging investment, supporting technology and finance, and fixing its tax system would help Britain regain its global standing. However, if these opportunities are wasted, Britain risks becoming irrelevant on the world stage.
