In his first major speech of 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak outlined his five priorities, including a pledge to end strike action across the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Sunak outlined his plans for the next general election, which is scheduled for 2024, including halving inflation, growing the economy, reducing NHS wait times, reducing debt, and banning small boats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Sunak has called for a “reasonable dialogue” with unions after weeks of chaos caused by strike action across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said: \u201cWe hugely value public sector workers like nurses, they do incredibly important work and that\u2019s why we want a reasonable dialogue with the unions about what\u2019s responsible and fair for our country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd in the coming days we will update you with the Government\u2019s next steps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Sunak claims that the Government is taking “urgent action” to reduce NHS waiting times as part of his five-part proposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plans call for 7,000 more hospital beds, increased home care, and new funding to discharge people in social care into the community to free up beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout his speech, the Prime Minister also mentioned passing new laws to stop small boats, but he did not elaborate on the Government’s plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When asked what he meant by halting small boats, Mr Sunak replied, “Ultimately, the country will judge, as I said, the country will judge whether we as a government are straining every sinew to focus on their priorities and deliver meaningful progress and change on them.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Sunak also mentioned the importance of improving numeracy, promising to make it a priority in the UK education system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Prime Minister concluded his speech by stating that the vision he outlined may not be realised in this Parliament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his final words he said: \u201cI 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI will only promise what I can deliver, and I will deliver what I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In his first major speech of 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak outlined his five priorities, including a pledge to end strike action across the United Kingdom. Mr Sunak outlined his … <\/p>\n