The most frequent topics discussed were new measures to tackle youth knife crime, the state of the UK economy, and defence commitments regarding Ukraine and NATO. The post with the highest engagement was from Keir Starmer, which discussed economic growth and the cost of living, receiving over 970,000 views.
Three Major Themes
- Youth Knife Crime: The Ministry of Justice and David Lammy announced a plan where any child caught carrying a knife will receive a mandatory, targeted intervention through Youth Justice Services to prevent reoffending.
- Economic Performance: Keir Starmer highlighted that GDP figures show the economy is growing, while Rachel Reeves stated there have been six interest rate cuts and that inflation is falling as part of the government’s economic plan.
- UK Defence and Ukraine Aid: John Healey stated that Britain is providing an extra half a billion pounds in air defence to Ukraine and will participate in a NATO Arctic security mission. Separately, the Ministry of Defence noted the Defence Secretary co-chaired the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
Keir Starmer stated that “Job number one is easing the cost of living pressure” and noted that GDP figures show the economy is growing. Rachel Reeves added that due to choices made, there have been “six interest rate cuts and inflation is falling”. On foreign policy, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office reported that with UK support, UNRWA health teams in Gaza are protecting children from diseases. John Healey announced that Britain is providing an “extra half a billion pounds in urgent air defence to Ukraine”. The House of Lords listed the Post Office Horizon scandal and the #MedicalTrainingBill among items on its schedule. Liz Kendall reported meeting with students to hear what it is like “growing up in the age of social media”.
David Lammy announced a plan where any child caught with a knife “will be given a mandatory, targeted intervention”. The Ministry of Defence stated that the UK’s “strategic strength is reinforced through our alliances” and later noted that the Defence Secretary co-chaired the 33rd meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. The Department of Health and Social Care stated the NHS is “delivering more with the resources it has”. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero reported that 175 school students attended a clean energy jobs fair, noting that up to 20,000 extra jobs are expected in the sector in Yorkshire and the Humber by 2030. James Murray shared that he met with apprentices training to become emergency medical technicians at the London Ambulance service.
The Ministry of Justice detailed its knife crime policy, stating every child caught with a knife will be “referred to Youth Justice Services” and receive a mandatory plan. The department added its reforms will help “stop children from getting caught up in crime in the first place”. The Department for Work and Pensions announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Defence to provide advice from military personnel in local Jobcentres. Wes Streeting mentioned the NHS delivered a “record-breaking 18.4 million surgeries and treatments last year”. Douglas Alexander commented on the “progress being made by the workforce at the Methil Yard”.
Outlook / Emerging Trends
John Healey stated that Britain “will play a central part in NATO’s Arctic security mission”. The government outlined a plan where any child caught with a knife “will be given a mandatory, targeted intervention”, and the Ministry of Justice added its reforms “will give local services the support they need”. Separately, the Department for Work and Pensions announced that people looking for a career in the armed forces “will receive advice directly from military personnel in their local Jobcentre”. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero stated that up to “20,000 extra clean energy jobs are expected in Yorkshire and the Humber by 2030.” Wes Streeting told followers to “Stay tuned” for more information on a topic he referred to as ‘TROUSERGATE’.
