AN increase in defence spending and cutting benefits is not what voters would normally expect from a Labour government.
But these are uncertain times, and we find ourselves in a world which is very different from those which Labour faced when they were last in power.
The world is a more dangerous place. US President Donald Trump is causing chaos by weakening unity in Nato – an alliance which has helped keep the peace in Europe for decades.
By doing so, Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin has been emboldened as he does not fear opposition from the US.
At the same time Trump is harming the world economy by bringing in tariffs against his neighbours and other major economies. This threatens to cause a global downturn as trade will almost certainly slump.
These are the circumstances which Keir Starmer finds himself in. He has to act decisively to make sure that the UK is protected.
Increasing defence spending will not be what all Labour voters want.
But the first responsibility of any government is to protect its citizens.
Likewise, Labour wants to make sure that welfare spending is put towards supporting people to return to work.
Getting people into stable employment is the best way to reduce poverty and get Britain’s economy moving again.
Whatever happens in the Chancellor’s spring statement, Prime Minister Starmer has been handed some very choppy waters to navigate.
We’d rather have a Labour government in charge in these troubled times than a disaster-prone Tory regime. Or even worse, we could have a Little England government tied to Nigel Farage’s whims.
Starmer and his Labour government know some of the choices they have to make are not vote winners.
But sometimes a leader has to lead – even if the right choice is unpopular.
Victims are heard
When patients put their faith in brain surgeon Sam Eljamel they hoped his skill would make their
lives better.
Instead the Libyan surgeon’s botched treatments left many with permanent damage and in constant pain.
This case is one of the biggest scandals to hit Scotland’s NHS with an estimated 209 victims. So it was welcome to hear both police and prosecutors apologise to victims yesterday for delays in their investigation into the affair.
It has been seven long years since the first complaint against Eljamel, who has since fled home to Libya, where he continues to carry out surgery.
Now finally victims feel they are being listened to – and could finally get the justice they deserve in the courts.