Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made his new year pledges, including halving inflation and growing the economy.
He listed his five immediate priorities when he gave his first speech of 2023, asking the public to judge him on the results.
Not surprisingly, critics are, however, suggesting that the PM’s pledges are a little vague – and even suggesting that his inflation promise is unnecessary as economists believe it has already gone as high as expected.
He hasn’t been clear on timelines for growing the economy, which his opponents feel will make it harder for the electorate to judge the success or otherwise.
The PM said: “As your Prime Minister, you need to know what my focus will be, so you can hold me to account directly for whether it is delivered.
“So I’d like to tell you my five immediate priorities.
“These are the five foundations I know can build a better, more secure, more prosperous future that this country deserves.”
PM’s top five
The undertakings included:
- Halving inflation this year to ease the cost of living and give people financial security.
- Growing the economy, creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country.
- Ensuring the national debt is falling to secure the future of public services.
- Bringing NHS waiting lists down by March to enable people to get the care they need more quickly.
- Passing new laws to stop small boats, so anyone entering the country illegally will be detained and swiftly removed.
“These are five pledges to deliver peace of mind, so that you know things are getting better, that they are actually changing.
‘Hold me to account’
“That you have a government working in your interests, focused on your priorities, putting your needs first.
“And I fully expect you to hold my government and I to account on delivering those goals.”
He used the opportunity to reflect on the progress of the Government since he moved in to No 10, saying the economy has been stabilised; billions of pounds have been given out for cost-of-living support; and more money had been invested in schools, the NHS and social care.
What are your thoughts on Sunak’s pledges?