In his first major address since taking office, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to warn that Britain will face challenging times before conditions improve. The speech, scheduled for Tuesday, comes just a week before Parliament reconvenes after a shortened summer recess.

Labour leader and Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to deliver a scathing critique of the previous Conservative government, emphasizing the severe economic and societal challenges left behind. We have inherited not just an economic black hole but a societal black hole,” Starmer is expected to say, highlighting the urgent need for his government to take action and implement change.

Acknowledging the Tough Road Ahead

The Prime Minister is also set to emphasize the importance of honesty when discussing the difficult choices facing the nation, candidly stating, “Frankly – things will get worse before we get better.” Since assuming office in July, Starmer and his Labour government have consistently underscored the challenges they face, attributing much of the current turmoil to the previous administration’s failures.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves raised the alarm before the summer recess, accusing the Conservatives of leaving behind a £22 billion deficit in this year’s budget. This accusation has become a key talking point for Labour, as they work to shift blame for the current economic struggles.

Amplifying Criticism

Starmer is anticipated to amplify this narrative further, arguing that the situation is “worse than we ever imagined.” He will claim that the £22 billion public finance shortfall was hidden by the previous government and emphasize that even the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) was unaware of its existence.

In addition to economic concerns, Starmer is expected to address broader societal issues, including the recent riots. He will argue that the unrest was able to exploit “cracks in our society after 14 years of populism and failure,” using the lack of prison spaces as an example of systemic breakdown.

Early Labour Achievements

Despite the grim outlook, Starmer plans to highlight Labour’s early achievements, claiming that his government has accomplished “more in seven weeks than the last government did in seven years.” These accomplishments include establishing a National Wealth Fund, restoring pay to public sector workers, and working to address the housing crisis.

However, Starmer will caution that these changes will not happen overnight, urging the public to prepare for a potentially long and challenging road ahead for the UK under Labour leadership.

As Labour continues to settle into power, Starmer is set to frame his government as a force for significant change, while simultaneously managing expectations of quick fixes. The Prime Minister’s address will likely set the tone for the months to come, as the government grapples with the complex challenges facing the country.