Key facts
- Keir Starmer resigned as prime minister after two years in office.
- Net migration fell due to fewer health and care visas and closed humanitarian schemes.
- NHS elective waiting lists decreased from 7.6 million to 7.2 million.
- The government delivered 300,000 homes in its first 18 months, aiming for 1.5 million by the next parliament.
- Renewable energy sources generated more than half of the UK's electricity generation for the first time.
- The number of people admitted to hospital with stab wounds continued to fall.
Keir Starmer has stepped down as prime minister after two years in office, a period marked by significant policy initiatives and political challenges. His resignation follows a tenure that aimed to address key national issues, including immigration, healthcare, housing, and crime.
Immigration was a dominant concern, with Starmer's government implementing stricter rules, including enhanced English language requirements and restrictions on worker and student visas. These measures, alongside the closure of humanitarian schemes, contributed to a fall in net migration. However, public tension regarding immigration has reportedly increased.
In healthcare, Starmer's administration made progress on reducing NHS waiting times. The number of patients waiting over 18 weeks fell by 21%, and the overall elective waiting list decreased. The government also met its target for treating 65% of patients within 18 weeks and showed positive trends in cancer diagnosis and A&E waiting times. Decisions on social care funding were deferred to an independent commission, and progress on GP recruitment was mixed.
The crime and justice system faced ongoing challenges, including near-capacity prisons and a backlog in courts that grew by 10% post-election. The government implemented early prisoner release schemes and the Sentencing Act 2026. While hospital admissions for stab wounds declined, less serious crimes like phone snatching and shoplifting remained stable.
On housing, Starmer's government aimed to deliver 1.5 million new homes, with 300,000 added in the first 18 months. Planning rules were relaxed, including the designation of "grey belt" land. The Renters’ Rights Act was introduced to ban no-fault evictions. However, construction is hampered by soaring costs and a shortage of planning applications, while social housing availability continues to fall.
Renewable energy saw a significant surge, with clean sources accounting for over half of the UK's electricity generation for the first time. The government set a target for 95% clean power by 2030, ending a ban on onshore wind and streamlining grid connections. Nearly 3,000 green energy projects are approved, with substantial capacity.
Politically, Starmer's premiership was marked by instability, with a trend of prime ministers serving less than a full term. His net approval ratings were lower than his predecessors at similar points, and he experienced a higher rate of ministerial resignations.