According to a YouGov poll, 83% of Britons think the government is handling economic problems poorly, and 69% believe the UK economy has worsened over the past year. The poll also found that 53% of respondents consider the cost of living a major problem facing the UK right now.
Public confidence in political parties on the cost of living is low. Only 1 in 10 Brits believe Keir Starmer is handling the cost of living crisis well, and just 35% of 2024 Labour voters think the party is doing a good job with rising bills. Only 15% of respondents believe Labour considers the cost of living a priority, while 12% feel the same about the Lib Dems and 11% think the Greens believe it is an important issue.
The next three years until the general election will see foreign affairs predominate. As Rishi Sunak found, having a big beast on the world stage, well known by all key leaders, freed him to concentrate on domestic policy. Foreign issues are sucking up too much of Starmer’s time. With Blair, Britain’s standing in the world would be enhanced, with considerable diplomatic, security and economic gains.
Personal financial struggles are widespread. Four in 10 Brits say they are already struggling to afford food and energy costs at least occasionally, and half say their household finances have worsened over the past 12 months. Meanwhile, 41% of Britons are strongly opposed to Tony Blair returning as foreign secretary, according to the YouGov poll. Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged public concerns, saying, "understood whatever is going on in the world, whatever is going on in politics, and there’s a lot in both, most people are concerned most of all about the cost of living." Political historian Sir Anthony Seldon argued in favor of Blair's return, stating that "with Blair, Britain’s standing in the world would be enhanced, with considerable diplomatic, security and economic gains."
understood whatever is going on in the world, whatever is going on in politics, and there’s a lot in both, most people are concerned most of all about the cost of living