Ben Chapman
Guest Reporter
Keir Starmer’s decision to set specific NHS and housing targets while not putting a figure on net migration is justified, according to a Labour minister.
The PM set out his ‘Plan for Change’ in a speech yesterday but his decision to omit immigration as a key talking point has drawn criticism.
Instead, Starmer opted to focus on six key issues which he urged the public to judge his administration on.
These were the economy, the NHS, housing, energy, policing and education.
The Labour leader set tangible targets such as building 1.5 million homes in England and fast-tracking planning decisions on at least 150 major economic infrastructure projects
But the PM refused to set an “arbitrary figure” for net migration, which Matthew Pennycook believes is a just move.
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GB News’s Stephen Dixon questioned the minister on why immigration was not included on Starmer’s list - but Pennycook insisted it “runs through everything we do”.
He added: “We are not going to set an arbitrary target on migration like the last government and miss it - that would erode public trust in the system.”
Stephen’s co-host Ellie Costello pointed out that the Government is “happy” to set targets on things like housing and the NHS, but refuse to do similar for migration.
“We heard from the previous Tory government arbitrary targets that were to delivered and had no chance of being delivered, it erodes public trust and confidence in the system”, Pennycook responded.
“We are already taking decisive steps, setting up Border Security Command and other interventions, near record levels of deportations. Nearly 10,000 deportations in our first month.
“We are taking steps to bring down legal migration and we will on illegal migration as well - but we won’t set an arbitrary target like the previous government did.”
The Prime Minister vowed to put "country first, party second" as he launched what has been billed as a reset for Labour amid recent challenges.
The speech comes as the party faces scrutiny over ministers accepting freebies and backlash for cutting winter fuel payments.
"Britain is broken but not beyond repair," Starmer declared, emphasising the need for a "mission-led government."
The Prime Minister labelled it the "most ambitious and credible programme of change for a generation."
The six pledges include targeting the highest sustained growth in the G7 to raise living standards across the country.
Labour has committed to building 1.5 million new homes and fast-tracking 150 major infrastructure projects.
On policing, Starmer promised "a named police officer in every neighbourhood" to tackle local issues.
The plan aims to get 75 per cent of children under five ready for school by 2028, up from current levels where one in three children aren't school-ready.
On energy, Labour pledged to put Britain "on track to at least 95 per cent clean power by 2030."
For the NHS, Starmer committed to meeting the 18-week standard for 92 per cent of patients waiting for treatment.
Find Out More...
The PM set out his ‘Plan for Change’ in a speech yesterday but his decision to omit immigration as a key talking point has drawn criticism.
Instead, Starmer opted to focus on six key issues which he urged the public to judge his administration on.
These were the economy, the NHS, housing, energy, policing and education.
The Labour leader set tangible targets such as building 1.5 million homes in England and fast-tracking planning decisions on at least 150 major economic infrastructure projects
But the PM refused to set an “arbitrary figure” for net migration, which Matthew Pennycook believes is a just move.
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GB News’s Stephen Dixon questioned the minister on why immigration was not included on Starmer’s list - but Pennycook insisted it “runs through everything we do”.
He added: “We are not going to set an arbitrary target on migration like the last government and miss it - that would erode public trust in the system.”
Stephen’s co-host Ellie Costello pointed out that the Government is “happy” to set targets on things like housing and the NHS, but refuse to do similar for migration.
“We heard from the previous Tory government arbitrary targets that were to delivered and had no chance of being delivered, it erodes public trust and confidence in the system”, Pennycook responded.
“We are already taking decisive steps, setting up Border Security Command and other interventions, near record levels of deportations. Nearly 10,000 deportations in our first month.
“We are taking steps to bring down legal migration and we will on illegal migration as well - but we won’t set an arbitrary target like the previous government did.”
The Prime Minister vowed to put "country first, party second" as he launched what has been billed as a reset for Labour amid recent challenges.
The speech comes as the party faces scrutiny over ministers accepting freebies and backlash for cutting winter fuel payments.
"Britain is broken but not beyond repair," Starmer declared, emphasising the need for a "mission-led government."
The Prime Minister labelled it the "most ambitious and credible programme of change for a generation."
The six pledges include targeting the highest sustained growth in the G7 to raise living standards across the country.
Labour has committed to building 1.5 million new homes and fast-tracking 150 major infrastructure projects.
On policing, Starmer promised "a named police officer in every neighbourhood" to tackle local issues.
The plan aims to get 75 per cent of children under five ready for school by 2028, up from current levels where one in three children aren't school-ready.
On energy, Labour pledged to put Britain "on track to at least 95 per cent clean power by 2030."
For the NHS, Starmer committed to meeting the 18-week standard for 92 per cent of patients waiting for treatment.
Find Out More...