Prime Minister’s Address to the House of Commons on 1st September 2026

Mr Speaker, I wish to address the House regarding the vision I have for leading our nation.

In the past six weeks, I have had the privilege of visiting each of the regions and nations of the United Kingdom, as well as Ukraine, to commemorate the 35th anniversary of its independence.

The unwavering support from the UK has played a crucial role in fortifying Ukraine’s determination over the past four and a half years, particularly during the last two years.

This achievement stands as a testament to my predecessor’s efforts, and as he steps down from this esteemed position, I would like to pay homage to the Right Honourable Member for Holborn and St Pancras.

His lifetime of public service, especially in advocating for justice, has made a significant impact on our country. I will always remember the moment when he fulfilled his promise to the Hillsborough families and all those involved in the Hillsborough Law campaign.

Commitment to Ukraine’s Defence

The stance my right honourable friend adopted regarding Ukraine, which builds on the foundation laid by previous Prime Ministers, remains one I intend to uphold amidst any threats we may encounter.

Our aim is not to escalate tensions but to stand resolute in providing support that enables Ukraine to defend itself against this unlawful invasion.

The defence of Britain begins with Ukraine, and safeguarding our nation will consistently be my top priority.

Concerning public safety, I believe the entire House will join me in extending our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, who tragically lost their lives while on duty on the A66.

We will strive to support the grieving community in Middlesbrough and acknowledge the calls from members of this House for discussions on investments in policing and police personnel.

I also wish to express my profound shock and horror at the devastating events unfolding on the Nepal-China border. My thoughts are with all those affected, including the families and loved ones of those who are missing in this tragic incident.

The Foreign Secretary is actively working to assist the Nepalese Government and British nationals in the area.

Addressing the Climate Crisis

This is a stark illustration of the climate crisis, Mr Speaker. We have just witnessed what is likely to be the hottest summer on record.

This Government is committed to addressing the climate challenge, and I can confirm to the House that I will be attending COP31 in Turkey this November.

Mr Speaker, I intend to build upon the achievements of my predecessor in various sectors. During my visit to Dover earlier this month, Border Force and HM Coast Guard staff informed me that the increase in police presence on French beaches is beginning to yield tangible results.

I am pleased to report that this trend has continued over the past month, with the number of arrivals over the summer halving compared to last year, resulting in the lowest figures for crossings since 2021.

Tomorrow, as I welcome President Macron to the UK for the opening of the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, I will express my gratitude for the collaboration that has helped prevent more than 48,000 people from attempting to cross the Channel.

Reform in the Justice System

Where policies have proven effective, Mr Speaker, I will ensure we build upon them. However, I will not hesitate to implement necessary changes where required.

One of my initial actions upon taking office was to review plans aimed at alleviating pressure on prison facilities in conjunction with the Lord Chancellor, who will provide a comprehensive update to the House following my statement.

We made an early decision to exempt serious offences such as rape, grooming, and child sex offences from changes, expediting our efforts in response to calls from the family of PC Andrew Harper and many others.

Consequently, I can now confirm that individuals convicted of manslaughter, death by dangerous driving, or indecent assault will not see any alterations to their prison sentences.

We will increase the number of available prison places by deporting more foreign national offenders and finally confronting the issue of indefinite Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences, a now-abandoned policy that continues to keep individuals incarcerated despite having served more than their sentences.

A Path Forward for the Economy

Addressing these issues is not an easy task, Mr Speaker, but I have consistently approached challenges by applying my values and a genuine care for people, as I discussed in Downing Street.

I believe the public will support my recognition of the stark difference between those who have served their time and those who have not.

We will soon introduce legislation, but I am confident we can find a resolution that addresses this injustice while balancing public safety with fundamental fairness, and I urge colleagues across the House to assist us in this endeavour. This is politics conducted differently—prioritising problem-solving over point-scoring. It is precisely what the country requires and what the public desires more of, and it will define my tenure in office, Mr Speaker.

I was pleased to initiate cross-party discussions regarding social care this summer. I would like to thank the leader of the Liberal Democrats and the Right Honourable Member for Daventry for their collaborative spirit in this effort, and I wish the latter well as he departs from the front bench.

Commitment to Addressing Cost of Living

With regard to the significant challenges facing the country, particularly the economy and the cost of living crisis, the public is seeking more substantial change, as outlined in our manifesto, and that is what I am determined to deliver.

Britain is not in the position any of us would desire. The current situation is untenable; life is excessively expensive and challenging for far too many. This is why the government’s initial actions were focused on providing respite for businesses and individuals.

In my first week in office, we reduced VAT on electricity bills and cut business rates for pubs, social clubs, and venues hosting live music. We reinstated the £2 cap on bus fares, effective through to 2027.

These measures will offer some relief, Mr Speaker, funded by reallocating resources within the government, as our foundational approach will rest upon fiscal responsibility.

Understanding the Root Causes

However, addressing the long-term issues of growth and living standards will necessitate a more profound transformation.

What I bring back to the House after a decade away is a clear understanding of the mistakes that have been made.

To be precise, since the 1980s, this country has taken a series of misguided turns.

Political power has become centralised, economic power privatised, leading to deindustrialisation, followed by austerity, which hollowed out local councils and stripped them of their ability to address these issues.

Brexit further compounded the damage, ushering in a decade marked by low growth and stagnated regeneration.

Change begins with honesty, Mr Speaker. I am not hearing much of that this afternoon.

Restoring Community Control

If we fail to acknowledge what went wrong, we will not be able to effect meaningful change.

Rather than regaining control, the combination of these policies has stripped communities across Britain of their agency.

For four decades, too many areas have been left adrift, with numerous British high streets bearing witness to this decline.

People yearn for the restoration of their communities, a sentiment echoed during my visit to Ilkeston this summer.

However, hope will remain elusive if we persist on the same failing trajectory, utilising an economic model that does not benefit areas like theirs while allowing wealth to be extracted and siphoned away.

Britain’s water industry epitomises this approach, operating in the interests of private stakeholders rather than the public good.

A Vision for Power Redistribution

The government I lead will relentlessly pursue the promise made to the public a decade ago: to restore ownership and control to people and places. From that control over their futures, genuine change and growth will emerge.

I assert this with confidence, Mr Speaker, as I draw on a decade of personal experience transforming one of the UK’s former industrial heartlands into the fastest-growing city region in the country, defying the trend of low growth.

This experience has provided me with a clear growth strategy, which I will apply to all corners of the UK, learning from the successes achieved in Greater Manchester.

For far too long, there has been a lack of ambition for regions outside London, with discussions even referencing the managed decline of cities like Liverpool.

It required the devolution of power away from Westminster to enable our major city regions to set new aspirations for themselves.

Now, I wish to ensure that every locality across our regions and nations has the opportunity to do likewise, creating conditions conducive to sustainable growth in every postcode.

Engagement with Local Leaders

In this spirit, I was pleased to meet with the Liberal Democrat leader of Cornwall Council, alongside my honourable friend from Truro and Falmouth, during my recent visit.

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