Rishi Sunak is facing mounting pressure to deliver on his five key pledges to voters, as the halfway point of his premiership approaches.
Inflation has become a persistent issue, with the current rate at 9.1%, the highest in four decades. The Bank of England has raised interest rates multiple times in an attempt to control inflation, but there are concerns that these hikes might push the economy towards a recession.
The British economy contracted by 0.3% in April, indicating a slowdown in growth. The Office for Budget Responsibility has warned that the second quarter of 2023 might see a further 0.3% shrinkage.
Criticism has also been directed at Sunak’s management of the NHS. Waiting lists have reached record highs, raising doubts about the healthcare system’s ability to handle future demand. Although the government has committed to increasing NHS funding by £12 billion annually, this amount might not be sufficient to tackle the long-term challenges faced by the health service.
Furthermore, Rishi Sunak handling of the immigration crisis has been met with disapproval. The number of individuals crossing the English Channel in small boats has reached unprecedented levels. The government has been accused of ineffective measures to prevent these crossings.
European Leaders Convene in Moldova to Address Security Concerns Amid Russian Aggression
