The most frequently discussed topic was the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A number of posts also detailed a major announcement on the modernisation of the criminal justice system.
The post with the highest engagement was from Keir Starmer, which stated “We stand with Ukraine, for as long as it takes. Russia will not win this war.” and received over 577,000 views and 18,500 likes.
Three Major Themes
- Criminal Justice System Modernisation: David Lammy announced a plan to modernise the criminal justice system, including funding for unlimited Crown Court sitting days, a plan to recruit more magistrates, introducing a new AI supported courts assistant, and creating a new Judge-only Bench Division in the Crown Court for certain cases.
- Support for Ukraine: On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Keir Starmer, David Lammy, and the Ministry of Defence issued statements affirming the UK’s support for Ukraine. Keir Starmer stated, “We stand with Ukraine, for as long as it takes. Russia will not win this war.” The Ministry of Defence added that its commitment to Ukraine remains ironclad.
- NHS GP Funding: Wes Streeting and the Department of Health and Social Care announced an extra £485 million for GP practices as part of a plan to provide Same-day urgent appointments and “fix the front door of the NHS”.
The Ministry of Defence published a multi-part statement on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, noting that Russia is burning through resources at an unsustainable rate and that the UK has provided nearly £2 billion in military, humanitarian and economic support. It stated that the UK’s commitment remains ironclad. Separately, Bridget Phillipson stated an intention to provide “better, earlier support for our children”.
David Lammy made a detailed announcement, stating that the government will bring our criminal justice system into the 21st century. The plans include Unlimited Crown Court sitting days, a new AI supported courts assistant, and allowing Prisoner Escort & Custody Service vehicles to use bus lanes. In a follow-up post, he stated the plans aim to ensure victims get the justice they deserve, without delay, and involve plans to recruit more magistrates.
On Ukraine, Keir Starmer posted, “We stand with Ukraine, for as long as it takes. Russia will not win this war.” The Ministry of Defence also published its Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation.
On health, the Department of Health and Social Care announced an investment of £485 million in GP services. Wes Streeting reiterated this, stating, “We’re fixing the front door of the NHS” with Same-day urgent appointments. Additionally, Bridget Phillipson stated that through a Schools White Paper, the government will drive high standards in schools. Jo Stevens stated that “Tory anti-union laws are going in the shredder” due to the government’s Employment Rights Act. Steve Reed noted that “Reform wants to scrap the Renters’ Rights Act”.
Emma Reynolds stated that at the NFU Conference she set out how the government is “building farming’s resilience”. David Lammy marked 4 years since Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, stating the UK stands with the country. Later, he mentioned he had unveiled a “bold vision for the modernisation of our criminal justice system” at Microsoft.
Jo Stevens announced that a young footballer, Enzo, has been granted British citizenship. She stated this means he will now be eligible to represent his country of birth in the mens’ team.
Outlook / Emerging Trends
Bridget Phillipson stated that through the Schools White Paper, the government “will drive high standards and ensure every child is included and valued in our schools.” David Lammy announced the government “will bring our criminal justice system into the 21st century.” The Department of Health and Social Care stated that “Changes to the GP contract this year will make sure patients get the care they need, when they need it.” The Ministry of Defence affirmed that the UK “will continue to provide the support Ukraine needs to defend itself, for as long as it takes.”
