Post-election: Consulting with churches

Labour won the general election, with the largest majority of any party in modern history.

The composition of the Houses of Parliament looks very different from after the 2019 ‘Brexit’ election, when Boris Johnson secured a majority of 80 seats. Commentators at the time struggled to see how Labour could get back into power, but five years is a very long time in politics.

Labour’s campaign can be summarised in a single word: Change. Unlike 1997 though, when the party came to power on a wave of optimism, the overriding emotion of this election was cynicism. The electorate wanted to punish the Conservative Party, and they did so. Keir Starmer’s landslide was achieved with a lower popular vote than Jeremy Corbyn secured in 2019 when Labour suffered its worst result since 1935.

Sir Keir is the UK’s 58th Prime Minister, and the sixth in the last ten years. One of the immediate tasks he faces is developing an effective and compassionate asylum and immigration policy. With the controversial Rwanda scheme already scrapped, he will need to outline and implement a strategy that addresses the concerns of both those seeking asylum and the challenges migration presents. His policy will need to ensure that the system is orderly and fair, integrating new arrivals into communities without overwhelming public resources.

Another pressing issue is the housing shortage, which has reached critical levels in many parts of the UK. This crisis is partly driven by migration, but more significantly by an ageing population and high levels of relational breakdown. This challenge is closely linked to broader public sector struggles, particularly in health and education. The NHS faces unprecedented strain, with long waiting times and staff shortages. In education, disparities in school funding and teacher retention need urgent attention to ensure all children have access to quality education.

Overcrowding and under-staffing in prisons is another concern, with Sir Keir having already appointed James Timpson as Minister of State for Prisons, Parole, and Probation. Crime rates, substance abuse, and the mentalhealth crisis are all symptoms of deeper societal issues. Tackling these problems will require comprehensive solutions involving law enforcement, social services, community support programmes, and economic growth. But the new government cannot and should not act alone.

The new government should consult meaningfully with churches to understand the complex challenges confronting society that neither the state nor the market can (or should) solve and empower churches to make their unique contribution. The government should understand that the distinctive theological commitments and vision of human flourishing of churches and faith-based organisations are essential, not incidental, to the contribution they make.

Internationally, Sir Keir faces a complex landscape. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East demand a coherent foreign policy that balances national interests with global responsibilities. The UK’s stance on these issues will significantly impact its international standing and relations with key allies. Navigating these challenges will require diplomatic acumen and a clear vision for the UK’s role on the world stage.

But how should those of us not in government respond? In all things, we should be driven by love of God and neighbour.

First, we should be grateful that we live in a democracy and have the power to elect and depose our political rulers. This privilege to choose carries with it significant responsibility. Less than half of the world’s population lives in a democracy of some kind. From Sudan to Myanmar, people continue to risk their lives in the pursuit of freedom in their countries.

Secondly, we should pray for our newly elected political leaders and for those who have lost power (1 Tim. 2:1-4). Politics is a noble profession and a lofty calling. We should pray that our new government and opposition parties put the interests of the country ahead of their own and act in ways that restrain evil and promote what is good. The size of Labour’s majority carries with it a special responsibility to act wisely and with restraint.

Thirdly, we should work for the flourishing of all by helping rebuild the ‘ancient ruins’ (Isa. 61:4) of our democratic institutions through our prayers and service in our daily lives. The level of political engagement in the UK is at an all-time low, and a majority of people – across democratic societies – do not believe their governments are working in the public’s interests. Democracy isn’t just about voting; it’s about active participation in civic life and working towards the good of all.