Labour’s return to power after 14 years came with big promises for change and reform, but some of those commitments are already being scaled back. Sir Keir Starmer’s government, in office for just under 200 days, is finding it challenging to deliver on all its pledges as economic pressures and practical challenges mount.
One of the major shifts has been on the plan to phase out gas boilers. Originally, all gas boilers were set to be banned by 2035, but the Labour government has now decided this will only apply to new homes. Existing homes will still be allowed to use gas boilers. Ed Miliband, a senior government figure, explained this change by pointing out the high costs of switching to greener options, saying it wouldn’t be fair to push such expenses onto households.
Another area where Labour has had to backtrack is its electric vehicle (EV) quotas. The government had ambitious targets for how many EVs manufacturers should sell, but carmakers pushed back, saying the targets were unrealistic. In response, Labour is consulting on ways to ease penalties for companies that miss these goals. However, the government has assured the public it remains committed to banning petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
The proposed tax on boiler manufacturers to encourage heat pump adoption has also been significantly reduced. Originally set at £3,000 for each missed target, the penalty has now been lowered to just £500. This decision reflects concerns about the financial impact of such policies on businesses and consumers.
Labour’s promise to transition to 100% clean energy by 2030 has also been scaled back. Sir Keir Starmer’s government now aims for 95% clean power by the end of the decade, calling this a more achievable target given current circumstances. Similarly, the introduction of a tax on sustainable aviation fuel—expected to significantly increase the cost of flights—is now under review, with Labour looking for ways to avoid burdening consumers with high travel expenses.
The government defends these changes as necessary adjustments to balance climate goals with the realities of the economy. However, critics argue that stepping back from these commitments undermines Labour’s credibility as a leader on environmental issues.
Despite these compromises, Labour has delivered on some of its promises. The government has made significant progress on housing reforms, aiming to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029.
Changes to planning laws and greenbelt development policies have been introduced to speed up construction. While the effort has been praised by industry leaders, there are still concerns about whether enough affordable housing will be built to meet demand.
On immigration, Labour has taken a tough stance on illegal entries into the country. In the first six months of its tenure, the government deported 16,400 illegal migrants, the highest number since 2018. Sir Keir has emphasized that sending migrants back to their home countries is a more effective deterrent than the controversial Rwanda scheme proposed by the previous government.
Labour’s first months in power have been a mix of progress and compromise. While some promises have been kept, others have been adjusted to deal with financial and practical realities. These decisions show the challenges of governing, especially when balancing ambitious goals with economic pressures. Critics, however, warn that Labour needs to stay true to its vision or risk losing public trust.
