In less than two years, the ruling Labour Party in Britain has gone from a striking electoral victory to a historic defeat in the recent local and regional elections. This development has placed Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a difficult position as he attempts to maintain his hold on power.
Political tensions in Britain have reached levels not seen since the referendum on leaving the EU. Starmer, the sixth prime minister since then, has promised change, but implementing it has proven challenging.
Despite voters’ anger, polls reveal that the sources of frustration are varied and affect both the national and local political arenas.
Economy and Cost of Living
The decline in living standards and future prospects is felt by many households worldwide. In Britain, wage inequalities between the wealthiest and the rest of the population have intensified. OECD data show that income inequality is higher than average, with significant disparities in earnings between the top 10% and others.
Moreover, inflation has proven to be “more persistent” in Britain compared to other countries, resulting in interest rates being higher than those in the Eurozone.
This has burdened the repayment of mortgages. The British economy’s dependence on gas prices makes it more vulnerable to international crises, such as the war in Iran.
Tax revenues are at historically high levels, which has sparked voters’ anger, especially at a time when a record number of people depend on welfare benefits, reinforcing a sense of injustice.
Migration and Asylum
Migration is one of the most polarizing issues in Britain’s political scene, often surpassing economic concerns. Controlling immigration was a priority for voters who supported Brexit in 2016. However, net arrivals have reached record levels, boosting the popularity of the anti-immigration Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage.
Despite peaking in 2023, forecasts for net migration have been revised downward, as more Britons choose to leave the country.
Public Services
Upgrading public services, which suffered serious impacts from years of austerity following the global financial crisis, was one of Starmer’s key campaign promises for 2024. Special emphasis was placed on revitalizing the National Health Service (NHS), which has been in a desperate state due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although waiting lists for healthcare have decreased since 2023, they remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. Underfunding of local government and inequalities in access to NHS dental services also cause frustration.
Local Issues
YouGov polls ahead of the elections showed that the condition of roads is one of the most important issues for voters at the local level, with 37% citing it as the main problem in their area.
The media have focused on the dangers caused by damaged roads, despite additional funds being allocated for their repair.
Crime
Despite a long-term decline in crime across many categories, surveys show that one in five citizens views crime and insecurity as the most important problem facing the country. Analysts indicate that this is partly due to the way media portray crime.
However, there is genuine concern about the rise of specific offenses, such as shoplifting, and about delays in the justice system due to lack of resources.
Information from agencies: ANA-MPA-Reuters
