2025: a year of caution or optimism?

After what’s been widely considered a turbulent first six months in power, Starmer has said that Britain is looking to turn a corner and “rediscover the great nation that we are.” 

This may perhaps be easier said than done with our country’s tendency for pessimism and reluctance to sometimes embrace a positive mindset.  Despite the bout of cold, wet weather this year has brought us so far, 2025 may finally be the time where we shake off the doom and gloom that has dominated the 2020s to date. 

Many of Britain’s structural challenges are undeniable and Labour has not shied away from highlighting the misfortunes that it has inherited from the previous Conservative government.  But now is the time to look ahead at what opportunities the new year can bring. 

A recent leader from the Financial Times highlighted that Britain has more to be optimistic about in 2025 than we may have initially thought. In data from its recent annual poll, economists predicted  that the UK will outgrow France and Germany this year.  As political uncertainty grows across Europe, Labour’s strong parliamentary majority will provide stability for potential investors.  Private sector investment has also risen in recent times. 

Putting forward a clear message for growth will help to instil this confidence further.  Labour now needs to play on Britain’s strengths that put us at a competitive advantage.  Our world-class universities, life sciences sector and strong creative industries are all examples that need to be talked up more. 

Traditional, or as Elon Musk says ‘legacy’, media also have a part to play in changing Britain’s growth narrative.  With the X owner recently declaring “we are the media now” and an increasing flood of disinformation appearing across our feeds, more than ever quality journalism needs to help break a national doom-laden narrative. 

With devolution deals on the cards across the country and more powers being afforded them, metro mayors also have a part to play in driving local positivity and pride. Highlighting why their city regions are prosperous places to live, socialise and do business helps to drive positive messaging and restore pride in our towns and cities.  This is something that Andy Burnham, metro mayor of Greater Manchester does well. Never underselling what his region has to offer including its arts scene and music culture that makes it so unique. 

From media to government, now is the time for Britain to communicate and deliver on this positive messaging, generating confidence at a time when it may otherwise look pretty glum. We all have a role to play in this too. Striking a more optimistic tone should help to kickstart a more positive journey for 2025.