This government was elected to deliver change.
After 14 years of broken promises, people doubt – understandably – that politics can make a difference to their lives. That’s why we’re doing things differently. Today, we’re publishing clear milestones for change, and our plan to achieve them.
Our first priority has always been to restore the foundations of national security, economic stability and secure borders, reducing both legal and illegal migration. In a more volatile world, strong foundations will anchor us so we can weather any future storms, rather than veer from crisis to crisis as we did during the Tory years.
Building on these foundations, the Government has five national missions that set the direction of change. These are economic growth, an NHS fit for the future, safer streets, becoming a clean energy superpower with GB Energy bringing down bills, and making sure every child has the opportunities they deserve.
These missions are this government’s mandate. They reflect the priorities of the British people, and this government is determined to deliver them.
This work is well underway. We’re stabilising the economy, establishing a new Border Security Command that will smash the gangs and tackle small boat crossings, and investing an extra £22bn building an NHS fit for the future including an extra 40,000 appointments.
But with the terrible inheritance of crumbling public services and crippled public finances, the government has had to make difficult decisions. Our missions are a long-term plan for the country, not a quick fix. It won’t always be easy, but it’s long past time to treat people with the respect of honesty and candour.
This is where the milestones come in – ambitious but achievable targets that the public can hold us accountable for.
Most important is to increase living standards in every part of the country. After the cost-of-living crisis, people need more money in their pocket. Hard work needs to be rewarded – people should earn enough money to live, save and enjoy life too.
Next, we’re building 1.5 million homes in England to end the housing crisis and infrastructure we need to rebuild the fabric of Britain. New towns, railways, hospitals and schools.
We’ll also end hospital backlogs, meeting the NHS standard of 92% of patients in England waiting no longer than 18 weeks for elective treatment. And we’ll put police back on the beat, with 13,000 additional officers. Every neighbourhood will have a named officer.
We’ll give children the best start in life, with a record percentage of five-year-olds in England ready to learn when they start school.
And finally, we’ll secure home-grown energy. We’ll keep bills down, improve energy independence and create good jobs, with at least 95% Clean Power by 2030.
These are our pledges to the British people. This is the path to change.
