UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to “defeat decline and division” in his New Year message, promising that 2026 would bring visible improvements to everyday life, including lower bills, increased policing and better healthcare access. Acknowledging public frustration over the pace of change, Starmer said long-term challenges required sustained effort. Opposition leaders used their own messages to criticise Labour’s record and outline alternative visions, with Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and the SNP all positioning themselves ahead of crucial local elections scheduled for May.