While the prime minister reflects on an eventful year, Labour warns that the United Kingdom “must change.”
After a “difficult” year, Rishi Sunak has cautioned that the United Kingdom’s troubles will not “go away” in 2023.
In his New Year’s speech, the prime minister promised that the “best of Britain” would be on show in the coming months, and he reaffirmed his commitment to Ukraine.
In addition, he anticipated that King Charles’ coronation on May 6 would unite the kingdom.
But he conceded that last year was “difficult.”
Mr. Sunak stated, “Just as we were recovering from an unprecedented worldwide pandemic, Russia started a barbarous and unlawful invasion of Ukraine.”
This has had a major economic influence on the entire globe, including the United Kingdom.
“I am aware that many of you have experienced this impact at home. To bring borrowing and debt under control, the government has made difficult but just choices.
Because of these actions, we have been able to assist the most vulnerable with their growing energy costs.
The prime minister, who assumed office in October after Liz Truss’s brief tenure, continued: “Three months ago, I stood on the steps of Downing Street and pledged to work tirelessly on the issues that matter most to you.
“Since then, our administration has taken strong steps to provide record cash, physicians, and nurses to the NHS to combat the backlogs.
Additionally, we are addressing illegal immigration and preventing criminals from exploiting our asylum system.
Mr. Sunak stated that he was “not going to pretend that all of our difficulties would disappear in the new year,” but that 2023 is an opportunity to “showcase the very best of Britain on the international arena.”
In his New Year’s speech, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged it had been a “very difficult year” and stated the United Kingdom “needs to change.”
Sir Keir, whose party is polling far better than the Conservatives, noted the Queen’s passing and the Lionesses’ triumph at Euro 22.
Before the coronation, he stated that the following year represents a “new chapter” for the country.
In addition, he stated that Labour will continue to advocate for a “new Britain” that will improve struggling public services and “expand the economy for all.”
Promising to “restore faith” in politics as a “power for good,” he stated, “For Britain to become a fairer, greener, and more dynamic nation, we require an entirely new approach to doing politics.
After everything we’ve been through together, the United Kingdom deserves this.
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, concurred that conditions are “difficult” but that the new year offers an opportunity to “turn the page and look ahead.”
“Although circumstances are difficult for millions, I sense that change is possible, so I look forward to the new year with optimism and hope,” he continued.
