Prime Minister Rishi Sunak set out his five priorities this afternoon in his first major speech of 2023 as he pledged to end strike action across Britain.
Mr Sunak laid out his plans ahead of the next general election expected in 2024, including halving inflation, growing the economy, cutting NHS waiting times, reducing debt and stopping small boats.
The Prime Minister says he will work “night and day” to change the UK as he sets out to work on the “people’s priorities”.
Following weeks of chaos with strike action up and down the country, Mr Sunak has called for a “reasonable dialogue” with unions.
The Prime Minister has delivered his first speech of 2023
Henry Nicholls
He said: “We hugely value public sector workers like nurses, they do incredibly important work and that’s why we want a reasonable dialogue with the unions about what’s responsible and fair for our country.
“And in the coming days we will update you with the Government’s next steps.”
As part of his five-part proposal, Mr Sunak says the Government is taking “urgent action” to tackle NHS waiting times.
Plans include providing 7,000 more hospital beds, more care offered at home and new funding to discharge people in social care into the community to free up beds.
During the Prime Minister’s speech, he also spoke about passing new laws in order to stop small boats but failed to respond to what the Government’s plans entail.
When asked what he meant by stopping small boats Mr Sunak said: “Ultimately the country will judge, as I said the country will be the judge of whether we as a government are straining every sinew to focus on their priorities and deliver meaningful progress and change on them.”
Mr Sunak also touched on the importance of improving numeracy as he promised to make it a focus of the UK education system, although compulsory A Level maths for everyone would not be required.
Ending his speech, the Prime Minister said the vision he set out may not be achieved in this Parliament.
Rishi Sunak has said the Government are working to end strike action
HENRY NICHOLLS
He said: “As well as peace of mind today, this afternoon I’ve also set out a vision for a better future for our children and grandchildren. Now we’re not going to get there overnight, or even in this Parliament. But this is the journey we are on."
In his final words he said: “I guarantee that your priorities will be my priorities. I pledge that I will be honest about the challenges we face. And I will take the tough but necessary decisions to ensure our great country achieves its enormous potential.
“I will only promise what I can deliver, and I will deliver what I promise.”
