Keir accused of U-turn on manifesto AGAIN as Labour water down flagship clean energy pledge in new Plan for Change
SIR Keir Starmer was today accused of U-turning on his flagship green energy pledge in a desperate bid to reset his struggling government.
At a speech in Buckinghamshire's Pinewood Studios, the PM declared he wants to put the UK on track "to at least 95 per cent clean power" by 2030.
But in Labour's manifesto, Sir Keir was definitive that his party would enforce a zero-carbon power system in six years' time.
The PM denied any watering down or policy change,
insisting "the clean energy pledge is today exactly what it was in the
election; that has always been central to our mission".
Sir Keir also U-turned on his manifesto pledge for the UK to secure the highest sustained growth in the G7.
That promise was downgraded to just an "aim";.
The watered down vows are two of six new "milestones" announced by the PM today - none of which centred around soaring migration.
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Pressed on why small boats didn't feature, the PM said: "We are going to drive down migration, both legal and illegal."
A document published alongside the speech listed the complete six pledges, which go towards fulfilling the “missions” he set for himself before the election.
- Boosting real disposable incomes and GDP per head.
- Cutting NHS waits so 92 per cent of patients are seen within 18 months.
- Guaranteeing a named police officer for every neighbourhood.
- Ensuring 75 per cent of kids start school ready to learn.
- Powering the UK with 95 per cent low-carbon energy by 2030.
Sir Keir said: “We know, after the sacrifices people made during the past 14 years, that it will be hard for working people to hear politicians ask them to come together for their country again.
“But the need for change is urgent. And it must be met.”
At his speech the PM also announced a new "mission" to build 150 new major infrastructure projects, which will come on top of an existing plan to build 1.5million homes.
He vowed to rip up reams of red tape that has clobbered development projects and held back economic growth.
Analysis
By Ryan Sabey, Deputy Political Editor
The British people will be forgiven for not being on top of where this government is heading.
Please, keep up.
We've now got six milestones, to add to five missions, six first steps and that is on top of three foundations.
But the Prime Minister headed to the glitzy Pinewood studios to unveil milestones on which he wants to be judged.
Whether it's raising living standards, more bobbies on the beat and reducing NHS waiting times - the PM is going all out for change.
But many people will say this is just a Mission: Impossible.
The PM is right when he says the new milestones that he set out will allow the public to "hold our feet to the fire" saying it will be for the long-term good of the country.
He also wants a major snake-up of Whitehall declaring that civil servants "are comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline".
One new promise included 150 new major infrastructure projects this Parliament as he hits out at the NIMBYs holding up projects.
But there was one gaping hole in the plan - there was no mention in migration in the six promises to judge him by.
Sir Keir says he has to "get to grips" with the problem of illegal migration and small boat crossings - but the public will want to see a measure that is more concrete.
Sir Keir blasted the fact that overbearing green planning rules have meant HS2 needed to fork out £100m on a "bat tunnel" to protect wildlife flying above the train.
Staring down those who try to prevent building up Britain, he said: "I will send a very clear message to the NIMBYs, the regulators, the blockers, the bureaucrats, the alliance of naysayers.
"The people who say ' no, Britain can't do this. It can't get things done in our country.
"But we say to them, you no longer have the upper hand. Britain says yes."
How tough are the PM's six new milestones?
By Jack Elsom, Chief Political Correspondent
SIR Keir Starmer has unveiled six “milestones” voters should judge him by at the time of the next election.
- Higher living standards in every part of the UK: After originally pledging to secure the highest sustained growth in the G7, Starmer is now promising people will actually feel better in five years time. The OBR forecasts real disposable income will rise slightly over the Parliament, meaning the PM should be able to claim victory as he has stopped short of attaching a numerical target He also has direct levers at his disposal to put more money in people’s pocket by the next election, including tax cuts and benefit increases. Difficulty rating: 1/5
- Building 1.5million new homes: A clear measurable target to build more homes and solve the nation’s housing crisis. Starmer has vowed to take on the “alliance of naysayers” blocking new developments. He has pledged serious planning reform, but will have to pick lots of fights with communities to get serious house-building. Difficulty rating: 4/5
- 92% of patients for routine operations seen within 18 weeks: This target was last hit in 2015. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has secured more funding for the NHS, and has spent millions ending strikes. Waiting lists climbed drastically after the pandemic but are now on the way down. It is an ambitious target but should be achievable. Difficulty rating: 3/5
- An extra 13,000 neighbourhood police officers: Part of Starmer’s mission for “safer streets”. Recruiting the extra cops should be straightforward with the funding, but the challenge will be making voters feel the crime has been cut and seeing more police on the beat. Difficulty rating: 2/10
- 75% of kids “ready for school”: This pledge would increase the current rate from 67.7%. The rollout of free childcare should help meet the target, provided the sector is ready for the influx of kids. Difficulty rating: 3/5
- Decarbonising 95% of the grid by 2030: Starmer previously pledged to totally decarbonise the energy grid, but now is only setting a target of 95%. It appears like a watering-down, but the PM says the original pledge remains. Whatever the policy, moving entirely to clean power without drastically hiking household bills will be incredibly challenging. Difficulty rating: 5/5
Today marked Sir Keir's third attempt to define his government’s agenda after 153 days in office.
While in opposition, he laid out “five missions,” including a bold promise to make Britain the fastest-growing economy in the G7 and become a green energy superpower.
Ahead of the election, these were replaced with “six first steps for change,” focusing on goals like restoring economic stability and cracking down on antisocial behaviour.
The PM said the milestones are designed to show progress and give clearer direction.
Responding to the speech, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused her counterpart of spending 14 years in opposition but still not being ready for government.
She said: "Nothing concrete on immigration - because Labour have no plan to control numbers.
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"Costly plans for energy decarbonisation watered-down - while poor pensioners lose their winter fuel payments.
"This relaunch can't hide the reality of a government that doesn’t know what it is doing."