Labour’s Wes Streeting has supported the party’s policy reversals, emphasizing the importance of getting decisions right the first time. Streeting urged the government to prioritize accuracy in its actions in 2026 following several policy flip-flops.
The Treasury is gearing up to provide aid to the pub sector in response to concerns over a significant increase in business rates. Recent reversals include backtracking on cuts to winter fuel payments for seniors, disability benefit reductions, and softening inheritance tax adjustments for farm owners.
Addressing the Institute for Government conference, Streeting highlighted the value of feedback and the necessity of correcting mistakes promptly rather than clinging to political pride. He referenced the NHS’s “get it right first time” initiative as a model for improvement in decision-making.
Streeting criticized the tendency within Labour to blame Whitehall for challenges, cautioning against creating a culture of excuses. He stressed the importance of demonstrating competency to voters for political success.
The remarks are interpreted as a rebuke to Keir Starmer’s former aide, Paul Ovenden, who criticized Labour’s perceived limitations due to external influences. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also condemned Whitehall’s resistance to devolution efforts, advocating for comprehensive reforms in government operations.
Burnham criticized government departments for conflicting stances and hindering growth initiatives. He called for a shift in power dynamics, suggesting that Westminster undergo significant reforms to align with the localized, growth-oriented approach seen in other regions.