Rare Saturday cabinet meetings have been held in the past over events such as the Falklands War and Brexit. However, on this occasion, the meeting was about getting things done with energy and momentum. It had a “first day at school” feel where newly appointed ministers were eager to get started, with easy smiles and chatter with security staff.
While it may be a new experience for these ministers, the enormity of the situation was not lost on them. It has been 14 years since Labour ministers were in Downing Street and 27 years since the Conservatives lost power. This marks a significant moment for them.
Sir Keir Starmer, newly appointed Prime Minister, appeared comfortable and relaxed at his first news conference. Leading reporters to the State Dining Room in No10, instead of the No9 room associated with the previous government, was a clear signal of change. Sir Keir promised his government would confront the challenges “with a raw honesty”. He wasted no time in acknowledging that prisons and the NHS in England were “broken”.
What follows will be a whirlwind of activity and travel for Sir Keir. He will travel to Edinburgh, Belfast, and Cardiff in the next few days before meeting with England’s mayors on Tuesday. This will be followed by a trip to Washington DC for the annual Nato defence alliance summit.
Within the next fortnight, there will be a King’s Speech where the government will outline its planned new laws. Shortly after will be a meeting at Blenheim Palace with around 50 European leaders to discuss the European Political Community, a separate entity from the European Union.
Given the low turnout and share of the vote for this government, they have little time to demonstrate their capability for delivery. However, they are determined not to waste any time and are eager to show that they are capable of bringing about change
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