The year 2025 marked Keir Starmer's first full year in power. Expectations were incredibly high following the previous election. The public hoped for stability and genuine change after years of turmoil. Starmer’s government faced immediate and complex challenges. They inherited an economy still reeling from global shocks and domestic issues. This created a difficult starting point for the new administration.
The government did achieve some notable successes early on. Labour successfully passed its flagship legislation on energy transition. Moreover, they managed to stabilize relations with the European Union. These early wins demonstrated a unified front and a clear sense of purpose. This initial period of positive momentum boosted public confidence. The government sought to portray itself as competent and capable of long-term planning.
However, 2025 soon brought significant challenges. The cost of living crisis worsened throughout the year. Inflation remained stubbornly high, impacting household budgets severely. Public services, especially the NHS, struggled under increased demand and funding pressures. A wave of public sector strikes demonstrated growing dissatisfaction. These issues cast a long shadow over the government's progress.
The government faced intense pressure from within its own ranks. A major U-turn on a key policy pledge sparked widespread criticism. This move was seen by many as a betrayal of pre-election promises. Furthermore, internal disagreements over economic strategy emerged. This led to questions about Starmer’s leadership direction. For more background on the challenges faced by the UK government in 2025, see the BBC's political coverage.
In conclusion, 2025 was a year of mixed results for Labour. The government showed flashes of competence but faced overwhelming challenges. The "catastrophic lows" highlighted the difficulty of governing in a time of economic hardship. Starmer's administration enters 2026 needing to regain public trust. What do you believe was the single biggest success or failure for the government this year?