Is UK Politics Getting Boring? It certainly appears that way, with Rishi Sunak’s sensible, organized approach to Cabinet duties reflecting an eagerness for substantive change from the reckless posturing of recent former Prime Ministers. Since Labour leader Keir Starmer has also presented himself as a moderate and methodical leader, there is now a newfound interest among modern British politicians in exchanging reckless actions for cautious, practical governance.
The success of the government’s most recent budget could be a testament to this. Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt showed that his numbers added up and the Office for Budget Responsibility’s own estimates pointed to slower debt and quicker economic growth, in part surrounded by plans to promote investment with income tax cuts.
Unfortunately, the problems that still afflict the UK are plentiful and by no means limited to Brexit. The community turmoil is still pitting the economy, the expenses of leaving the EU stay unsustainable, and the trades from the post-pandemic period have not yet attained the same heights as those encountered in equivalent countries. Strangely away, tax incentives are not adequate for securing the investments required for more beneficial success in the government’s capacity for productivity – so the state of the nation remains in flux.
For all that this may be too little, too late, the perception of political action nationally has begun to undergo a noticeable reduction, albeit with the exception of Humza Yousaf – who, as the recently elected leader of the Scottish National Party, is being viewed as the potential figurehead to restore Scotland’s faulty devolved government.
Recently, the United Kingdom and the European Union were able to come together and reconcile arrangements pertaining to Northern Ireland, an issue that had lingered for a total of four years in the wake of Brexit. In a sense then, and (primarily) thanks to Sunak’s more trade-like, professional attitude, Britain’s disposition for impacting alteration might just be waning.
The Sunak government is also making a conscious effort to reach out and foster stronger economic, security and defense ties with the EU in place, that would prioritize research and development, financial services, and more. While hoping that the country still holds enough patience to consider un-doing Brexit may be farfetched, the newly restored relationship security can go a long way in trying to reduce the repercussions.
With the Conservative Party still divided over Brexit, and the potential for the return of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn who was blocked from contesting the next election, this revolutionary shift could yet be compromised.
All things considered, while the transformation of British rule is a much needed change in the right direction, it is far too soon to discern as to whether Sunak’s quiet, competent leadership is enough to effectively address the nation’s extensive problems.
From their trademark tax reliefs to more concrete policies, the government under Sunak seems to be more business-centered and less focused on the theatrics of Prime Ministers past. Thinking strategically, however, is the most efficient way to implement much needed change, and the UK deserves the best chance available to revive from the turbulence of the past years.
