Overview
- Sir Keir Starmer has declared the cost of living his singular priority for 2026, promising a “relentless” focus on putting more money in people’s pockets.
- The week’s agenda was dominated by US actions, including the capture of Nicolás Maduro, threats over Greenland, and a joint US–UK seizure of a Russian-linked tanker, overshadowing Starmer’s domestic messaging.
- Starmer announced a formal agreement to deploy thousands of British troops to Ukraine, elevating security commitments over economic talking points.
- No 10 grew more confident it has suppressed a near-term leadership push after a Chequers charm offensive, though private talk of Wes Streeting as a future challenger persists and faces high procedural hurdles.
- A fresh U-turn on support for pubs added to government stumbles as a YouGov survey found 85% think the government is handling the cost of living badly, with ministers pinning hopes on a favorable Ofgem price cap, lower energy bills and falling inflation.