ALLIANCE statement on new Prime Minister and UK Government

The ALLIANCE congratulate the new Prime Minister, and call for action to deliver rights, wellbeing and fairness.

The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) has responded to the election of a new UK Government, led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, following last week’s general election.

Over the 14 years of the previous government, the direction of travel for human rights was a cause for deep concern. Meanwhile the policies of austerity contributed to a significant deepening of health, social, and economic inequalities across the UK. Funding for essential public services, including health and social care, was either cut or failed to keep pace with need. At the same time, a programme of welfare reform led to the UK’s social security system becoming defined by its inadequacy and punitive nature.

The ALLIANCE’s manifesto for the 2024 UK General Election, ‘Rights Wellbeing Fairness’, sets out a vision that would turn the page on these failed policies. We have put forward proposals that would see the new government restore the UK’s status as a global leader in human rights, deliver the necessary investment in essential public services, work towards a wellbeing economy, and rebuild a dignified social security system.

Responding to the election of the new UK Government, the ALLIANCE’s Chief Officer – Development Sara Redmond said:

“On behalf of the ALLIANCE, I offer sincere congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer on his election as Prime Minister. For many years, the ALLIANCE have been raising concerns about the worsening of poverty and widening health inequalities arising from the austerity agenda. We were also extremely worried by plans and proposals to remove essential human rights protections.

“With a new government taking office, now is the time to be bold and deliver on promises of change. A transformational programme of renewed investment in the NHS, social care and housing in England is essential and could unlock the funding necessary for the Scottish Government to follow suit. We call on both governments to work closely together to deliver this.

“We also warmly welcome that one of the Prime Minister’s first acts has been to abandon the Rwanda scheme, which breached the UK’s international human rights obligations. The new government can now go further and seize the opportunity on human rights, by bringing more protections directly into UK law and ensuring that everyone can meaningfully name and claim their rights.”

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