Keir Starmer is dealing with bad news as recent polls show public support for the government has hit a new low.
A survey by YouGov asked people if they “approve or disapprove” of the government’s performance so far. A huge 64% said they disapprove—the highest number since the Labour Party won the general election in July last year. Only 16% of people approve of Sir Keir’s government, which is 4% lower than earlier in January. This gives the government a net approval rating of -48.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister and his finance minister, Rachel Reeves, are working on new plans to improve the economy this week.
In an article for The Times, Sir Keir criticized the large amount of rules and regulations that he says are blocking billions of pounds in investment. He compared these rules to an invasive weed that’s harming the economy. He promised his government would remove these barriers, simplify regulations, and help the economy grow.
Sir Keir also mentioned former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, saying that economic growth comes from increasing the country’s ability to produce goods and services. He compared his plans to Thatcher’s reforms in the 1980s and the trade opportunities created under the New Labour government in the 1990s.
The government is trying to boost growth after a slow start. Rachel Reeves will give a big speech today at 10 a.m., where she’s expected to say that Britain has been “held back” and has “accepted stagnation” for too long. She will argue that low growth isn’t inevitable, but improving the economy will require tough decisions and a government that supports working people.
