Keir Starmer describes getting shifting letter from lady, 9, as he makes New Year vow
As Britain rang in the New Year, Prime Minister Keir Starmer struck an upbeat note as he said years of decline could be reversed and everyone could enjoy opportunity and pride
Keir Starmer has said he will restore hope to the nation in 2026 and vowed people will feel the change they voted for this year.
As Britain rang in the New Year, the Prime Minister struck an upbeat note as he said years of decline could be reversed and everyone could enjoy opportunity and pride once more.
Writing in the Mirror, he said: “There is a word for that we’ve forgotten in politics recently – hope. 2026 is the year we can rediscover it. A year when the real Britain shines through more strongly. And we all start to look forward with confidence.”
His message comes after a turbulent year for Labour, as the party battles to turn around flagging poll ratings and to see off threats from Reform and the resurgent Green Party. And 2026 will have plenty of pitfalls as the PM seeks to defy critics of his leadership and avoid damaging losses at pivotal elections in Scotland, Wales and English councils in May.
The Prime Minister is believed to be planning for a new King’s Speech in May to carve out a fresh path after the elections, with a raft of new laws.
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Mr Starmer said he knew things were still tough for many people who are working hard but struggle to afford the odd meal out, a holiday or a new phone. This year, the Prime Minister said he would wage “an all-out war on the cost of living” and said child poverty levels would start to fall.
In a poignant moment, he described being handed a note by a 9-year-old Scottish girl on a visit to Downing Street, who told him about the hunger, cold and exhaustion that kids growing up in poverty face.
In her letter, the youngster said: “Scotland is one of the wealthiest countries on the planet yet 1 in 3 children in our country lives in poverty. It’s an absolute disgrace. You need to do something about this outrageous situation as soon as possible.”
She told the PM that poor children could be forced to wear clothes that don’t fit and risk being made fun of, while struggling to afford school trips and other opportunities their better off classmates enjoy.
Addressing Mr Starmer, she said: “You’re one of the most capable people to fix this terrible situation. Wouldn’t you love to look out your window and see happy, healthy children with clean clothes walking to school every day with their friends? Or would you like to see them tired and hungry every day, I bet it’s number one, right?”
The PM was moved by her letter and expressed alarm that the majority of children growing up in poverty in Britain come from working families. More than half a million children will be lifted out of poverty this year when the two-child benefit limit is axed in April, and free school meals are extended to all Universal Credit households in September, he said.
The PM also promised people would have more money in their pockets thanks to freezes on fuel duty, prescription charges and rail fares, and increases to the minimum wage. Households will also see their energy bills cut by £150-a-year on average from April due to the reduction of some green levies paid by the consumer.
Amid frustration from voters over the pace of change, Mr Starmer promised people would begin to see differences in their communities this year. Rebuilding crumbling public services, getting a grip on illegal immigration and restoring pride to communities after years of Tory decline will be high on the agenda.
The Prime Minister said: “Renewing our country was never going to be an overnight job. But we are getting Britain back on track. And with each change for the better, we also show something more important.
“That decline can be reversed. Opportunity and pride can be restored. And that when you think of the future, it is not silly to think that things can get easier and better for your family.”
