Graham’s Blogging World: July 2026

Following the hung Parliament in May 2010, the Conservatives successfully negotiated Britain’s first peacetime coalition government since the Second World War, providing political stability during the aftermath of the global financial crisis.

Introduced the Emergency Budget and deficit reduction plan

The government launched its programme to reduce the UK’s large budget deficit through spending restraint and fiscal reforms aimed at restoring confidence in the public finances.

Established the independent fiscal framework

The government strengthened the role of the independent fiscal watchdog in scrutinising economic forecasts and government borrowing plans, increasing transparency in public finances.

Published the Coalition Programme for Government

The government set out a detailed five-year reform agenda covering economic policy, education, welfare, health, constitutional reform and local government.

Protected NHS spending

Despite wider public spending reductions, the government committed to protecting NHS spending in real terms during the Parliament.

Introduced an annual cap on non-EU economic migration

The government implemented measures designed to reduce net migration while maintaining access to highly skilled workers.

Created the Regional Growth Fund

A £1.4 billion fund was launched to encourage private sector investment and job creation, particularly in areas dependent upon public sector employment.

Committed to major infrastructure investment

The government announced plans for significant investment in transport infrastructure, including support for Crossrail and preparations for High Speed Rail.

Ended the routine detention of children for immigration purposes

The government introduced a more compassionate approach to immigration enforcement involving families with children.

Committed to rolling out superfast broadband

The government began plans to improve digital infrastructure across the United Kingdom to support economic growth and connectivity.

2011 – Top 10 Achievements of the Conservative-led Government

Introduced the Triple Lock for the State Pension

The government restored the earnings link for the Basic State Pension and introduced the Triple Lock, guaranteeing that pensions would rise annually by the highest of inflation, earnings growth or 2.5%. This remains one of the most significant pension reforms of recent decades.

Introduced the Pupil Premium

Additional funding was provided to schools for disadvantaged pupils to help improve educational outcomes and reduce attainment gaps.

Passed the Fixed-term Parliaments Act

The government established fixed five-year parliamentary terms, bringing greater predictability to the timing of general elections during the coalition period.

Launched the Work Programme

The largest welfare-to-work programme for many years was introduced to help unemployed people move into employment through tailored support.

Created the Green Investment Bank

The government established plans for a dedicated institution to finance environmentally sustainable infrastructure and encourage private investment in green industries.

Published the National Infrastructure Plan

Plans were set out to unlock approximately £200 billion of public and private investment across transport, communications and energy infrastructure projects.

Expanded transparency in government spending

Departments increasingly published spending data and contract information to improve government accountability and public scrutiny.

Protected key pensioner benefits

The government maintained benefits including free bus passes, free prescriptions and winter support payments while introducing the Triple Lock pension guarantee.

Advanced welfare reform legislation

Significant reforms were introduced to simplify the welfare system and strengthen financial incentives to work, laying the foundations for future reforms such as Universal Credit.

Invested in science and innovation

Funding was announced for Technology and Innovation Centres to strengthen Britain’s research base and support high-value industries.

2012 – Top 10 Achievements of the Conservative-led Government

Introduced Automatic Enrolment into Workplace Pensions

Automatic enrolment began in October 2012 with the largest employers, starting one of the biggest expansions of workplace pension saving in modern British history. Millions of workers have since been enrolled into pension schemes.

Passed the Welfare Reform Act 2012

The government enacted the largest welfare reforms for over sixty years, introducing the legislative framework for Universal Credit and reforms designed to simplify the benefits system and strengthen work incentives.

Launched Universal Credit Regulations

Detailed arrangements for Universal Credit were finalised, with government estimates at the time suggesting around three million households would benefit financially from the new system.

Approved High Speed 2 (HS2) Phase One

The government formally approved plans for HS2 between London and Birmingham, representing one of the largest infrastructure projects undertaken in the UK for generations.

Created the Green Investment Bank

The government established the UK’s first Green Investment Bank to support private sector investment in environmentally sustainable projects and technologies.

Introduced the Benefit Cap

Legislation was passed introducing a cap on total household benefit payments, intended to ensure that households receiving benefits did not receive more than the average working household earned.

Expanded Free Schools and Academies

The government continued its programme of expanding academies and opening free schools, increasing parental choice and school autonomy across England.

Invested in Superfast Broadband

Significant investment continued in rolling out superfast broadband infrastructure across rural and urban areas of the United Kingdom.

Published the National Planning Policy Framework

The government simplified thousands of pages of planning guidance into a more streamlined framework intended to encourage sustainable development and support housebuilding.

Delivered the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

2013 – Top 10 Achievements of the Conservative-led Government

Britain Returned to Strong Economic Growth

The UK economy recorded one of the fastest growth rates among major developed economies during 2013, marking a significant stage in the post-financial crisis recovery.

Universal Credit Began Rolling Out

Universal Credit was introduced in pilot areas, beginning the phased replacement of six existing means-tested benefits and tax credits with a single payment system.

Help to Buy Was Introduced

The government launched the Help to Buy scheme to assist first-time buyers and home movers in purchasing properties with smaller deposits, stimulating both home ownership and housebuilding.

Employment Reached Record Levels

Employment figures continued to improve, with private sector job creation significantly exceeding public sector job losses since 2010.

Introduced the Marriage Allowance Proposal

The government announced plans to introduce transferable tax allowances for married couples and civil partners, fulfilling a long-standing Conservative manifesto commitment.

Reduced Corporation Tax

Corporation tax reductions continued, helping to improve the UK’s competitiveness as a location for business investment and economic growth.

Expanded Apprenticeship Programmes

Apprenticeship opportunities continued to increase substantially across England, providing vocational training pathways for young people and adults.

Implemented the Public Sector Pension Reforms

Reforms aimed at placing public sector pensions on a more financially sustainable footing were advanced following negotiations with trade unions and recommendations made by the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission.

Introduced Shared Parental Leave Legislation

Legislation was introduced allowing greater flexibility for parents to share leave following the birth or adoption of a child, modernising employment rights for families.

Further Expanded Infrastructure Investment

The government announced additional investments across transport, energy and communications infrastructure, including major road improvements and continued broadband expansion.

At the end of 2013, the Conservative-led Coalition could point to falling unemployment, the beginning of sustained economic growth, significant welfare and pension reforms, and major infrastructure and housing initiatives.

2014 – Top 10 Achievements of the Conservative-led Government

Announced Pension Freedoms

The government announced the most significant reforms to defined contribution pensions in almost a century, giving people much greater flexibility over how and when they could access their pension savings from April 2015. The effective requirement to purchase an annuity was removed.

Introduced the New ISA (NISA)

Individual Savings Accounts were simplified and made more flexible, with increased annual contribution limits and the ability to save the full allowance in cash if desired.

Continued Record Employment Growth

UK employment continued to rise strongly, contributing to one of the strongest labour market recoveries among major developed economies following the financial crisis.

Passed the Infrastructure Act 2014

The Act supported investment in roads, energy infrastructure and housebuilding, while establishing a statutory basis for longer-term infrastructure planning.

Expanded the Help to Buy Scheme

The government extended and expanded support for home ownership through Help to Buy, assisting many first-time buyers in purchasing their homes.

Introduced Tax-Free Childcare

The government announced and legislated for a new system of childcare support designed to help working families meet childcare costs.

Further Reduced Corporation Tax

Corporation tax reductions continued, strengthening the UK’s attractiveness as a destination for business investment and supporting economic competitiveness.

Expanded Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship programmes continued to grow substantially, offering vocational training opportunities across numerous industries.

Progressed HS2 Legislation and Planning

The government continued advancing plans and legislation for the first phase of HS2, one of the largest transport infrastructure projects proposed in modern Britain.

Maintained NHS Funding Growth

Despite wider spending restraint across government departments, NHS spending continued to increase in cash terms, reflecting the government’s commitment to prioritise healthcare funding.

2015 – Top 10 Achievements of the Conservative Government

Won an Overall Parliamentary Majority

The Conservative Party secured an unexpected overall majority at the General Election in May 2015, providing the political mandate to implement its manifesto commitments without coalition partners.

Introduced Pension Freedoms

The pension reforms announced in 2014 came into force in April 2015, giving millions of savers greater control over their retirement finances and creating one of the most flexible pension systems in the developed world.

Introduced the National Living Wage

The government announced the National Living Wage for workers aged 25 and over, representing one of the largest increases in statutory minimum pay in recent decades.

Introduced the Marriage Allowance

Married couples and civil partners meeting certain criteria became eligible to transfer part of their personal income tax allowance, reducing their tax bill.

Committed to a Referendum on EU Membership

The government legislated to give the British public a direct vote on the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union, fulfilling a major manifesto pledge.

Achieved Record Levels of Employment

Employment reached record highs during 2015, with unemployment continuing to fall as the economic recovery strengthened.

Expanded Free Childcare Provision

The government announced plans to double free childcare entitlement for working parents of three and four-year-olds in England from 15 to 30 hours per week.

Maintained Strong Economic Growth

The UK remained one of the fastest-growing major advanced economies during 2015, supported by rising employment and business investment.

Raised the Personal Income Tax Allowance

The personal allowance continued to rise, allowing many workers to keep more of what they earned and reducing the number of lower earners paying income tax.

Committed to Major Defence Investment

The government committed to maintaining defence spending at or above 2% of GDP in line with NATO requirements while investing in the UK’s armed forces and military capabilities.

By the end of 2015, the Conservatives had moved from coalition government to governing with an outright majority and had begun implementing several policies that would remain central features of UK economic and social policy, including Pension Freedoms, the National Living Wage and expanded childcare provision.

2016 – Top 10 Achievements of the Conservative Government

2016 was one of the most consequential years in modern British politics. It saw the EU referendum, major pension reforms coming into effect and significant developments in infrastructure, education and industrial policy.

Introduced the New State Pension

The new single-tier State Pension came into effect on 6 April 2016, replacing the old, more complex system of Basic State Pension and Additional State Pension. It simplified retirement planning and particularly benefited many self-employed people, carers and those with interrupted work histories.

Held the EU Referendum

The government fulfilled its manifesto commitment by holding the referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union on 23 June 2016, allowing the British public to make the decision directly.

Introduced the National Living Wage

The National Living Wage came into force in April 2016 for workers aged 25 and over, representing a significant increase in the statutory minimum pay rate for millions of workers.

Raised the Personal Income Tax Allowance Again

The tax-free personal allowance was increased further as part of the government’s commitment to reduce income tax for lower and middle-income earners.

Established the Department for International Trade

Following the referendum, the government created a new department to develop Britain’s independent trade policy and prepare for future trade agreements outside the EU.

Created the Department for Exiting the European Union

A dedicated government department was established to manage the UK’s withdrawal negotiations from the European Union.

Published the Industrial Strategy Framework

The government launched plans for a modern Industrial Strategy aimed at improving productivity, encouraging innovation and strengthening Britain’s economic competitiveness.

Expanded Apprenticeship Opportunities

Apprenticeship starts continued to increase substantially, helping to provide vocational pathways for both young people and adult learners.

Continued Major Infrastructure Investment

Investment continued in projects including HS2, road improvements and superfast broadband rollout across the UK.

Maintained Record Levels of Employment

Employment levels remained near record highs throughout the year, with unemployment continuing its downward trend following the post-financial crisis recovery.

2017 – Top 10 Achievements of the Conservative Government

Although politically challenging because of the General Election and Brexit negotiations, 2017 saw the implementation of several important domestic policy initiatives.

Published the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy

The government published its Industrial Strategy White Paper, setting out long-term plans to boost productivity, support innovation, develop skills and invest in infrastructure across the country.

Introduced the Apprenticeship Levy

The Apprenticeship Levy came into effect in April 2017, encouraging larger employers to invest in apprenticeship training and helping to improve workforce skills.

Negotiated the First Phase of Brexit Talks

The government secured agreement with the EU on citizens’ rights, the financial settlement and arrangements relating to the Irish border, allowing negotiations to move on to future trade discussions.

Employment Reached Record Levels

UK employment rose to record levels during 2017, with unemployment falling to its lowest level for more than four decades.

Expanded Free Childcare

Eligible working parents of three and four-year-olds in England became entitled to up to 30 hours of free childcare per week during term time.

Further Increased the Personal Income Tax Allowance

The government continued increasing the amount individuals could earn before paying income tax, benefiting millions of taxpayers.

Maintained the Triple Lock on State Pensions

State pensions continued to rise under the Triple Lock policy introduced earlier in the decade, helping to improve pensioners’ incomes relative to inflation and earnings growth.

Invested in Science and Research

The government committed additional funding for scientific research and innovation as part of its Industrial Strategy, reinforcing Britain’s position as a global research leader.

Progressed Housing and Planning Reforms

Measures were introduced to increase housebuilding, including support for local authorities and reforms intended to improve housing supply.

Committed to Increased NHS Funding

The government announced further investment in NHS services as demand for healthcare continued to rise.

By the end of 2017, the Conservative government had overseen:

The introduction of the New State Pension.
The implementation of the National Living Wage.
Record employment levels.
Significant childcare expansion.
Major skills and apprenticeship reforms.
The publication of the UK’s Industrial Strategy.
The early stages of the Brexit process.

2018 – Top 10 Achievements of the Conservative Government

2018 was dominated by preparations for Brexit, but it was also an important year for domestic policy, particularly in relation to NHS funding, taxation, infrastructure and employment.

Announced a Long-Term NHS Funding Settlement

The government committed to providing the NHS in England with an additional £20.5 billion a year in real terms by 2023–24. This was one of the largest long-term funding settlements in the NHS’s history and provided greater certainty for future planning.

Employment Reached Another Record High

Employment continued to rise, with more people in work than at any point in UK history up to that time. Unemployment fell to its lowest level since the mid-1970s.

Further Increased the Personal Income Tax Allowance

The government accelerated its manifesto commitment to increase the personal allowance, enabling millions of taxpayers to keep more of their earnings.

Raised the Higher Rate Tax Threshold

The point at which individuals began paying higher rate income tax was increased substantially, benefiting middle-income earners.

Published the NHS Long Term Plan Framework

Work commenced on what would become the NHS Long Term Plan, setting out reforms to improve patient care, integrate services and make better use of technology.

Expanded Investment in Artificial Intelligence

The government announced major investment in artificial intelligence research and development as part of its Industrial Strategy, recognising the growing importance of emerging technologies.

Continued Infrastructure Investment

Investment progressed across road improvements, broadband expansion, rail projects and other major infrastructure schemes throughout the United Kingdom.

Negotiated the Draft Brexit Withdrawal Agreement

The government successfully negotiated the draft Withdrawal Agreement with the European Union, providing the legal framework for the UK’s departure from the EU.

Maintained Growth in the National Living Wage

The National Living Wage continued to rise, increasing the incomes of millions of lower-paid workers.

Supported Scientific Research and Innovation

Additional funding commitments strengthened Britain’s position in scientific research, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.

2019 – Top 10 Achievements of the Conservative Government

2019 was arguably the most politically significant year for the Conservative Party since 2010. Boris Johnson became Prime Minister, renegotiated the Brexit deal and secured the party’s largest parliamentary majority since the 1980s.

Renegotiated the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement

The government successfully renegotiated aspects of the Withdrawal Agreement with the European Union, including replacing the proposed UK-wide backstop arrangements with new provisions relating to Northern Ireland.

Won an 80-Seat Parliamentary Majority

At the December 2019 General Election, the Conservative Party won 365 seats, its largest parliamentary majority since 1987, providing a strong mandate to implement its policy programme.

Passed the Legislation Required to Leave the European Union

The government secured parliamentary approval for the legislation necessary to enable the UK to leave the EU in January 2020, ending several years of parliamentary deadlock.

Committed to ‘Levelling Up’

The government launched its Levelling Up agenda, promising significant investment in infrastructure, transport and regional economic development, particularly in parts of the country that had historically received lower levels of investment.

Announced Major NHS Investment

The Conservative manifesto committed to funding for 50,000 more nurses and substantial additional NHS investment over the Parliament.

Committed to Large-Scale Infrastructure Spending

Significant investment plans were announced covering roads, railways, broadband and public services throughout the United Kingdom.

Committed to Recruiting More Police Officers

The government announced plans to recruit 20,000 additional police officers in England and Wales over three years.

Raised the National Living Wage

Further increases to the National Living Wage were announced, with ambitions to significantly increase it over the coming years.

Announced Major Education Investment

Additional funding was committed for schools across England, reversing some of the spending restraint seen during earlier years of the decade.

Strengthened Britain’s Independent Trade Policy

Preparations accelerated for negotiating the UK’s own trade agreements around the world following departure from the European Union.

2020 – Top 10 Achievements of the Conservative Government

The year 2020 was dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government faced one of the most significant public health and economic challenges since the Second World War. Many of the policies introduced during this period were emergency measures designed to protect jobs, businesses and public services.

The United Kingdom Left the European Union

On 31 January 2020, the UK formally left the European Union, fulfilling the central pledge of the 2019 Conservative manifesto and bringing to an end almost four years of Brexit negotiations.

Introduced the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Furlough)

The government introduced the furlough scheme, which paid up to 80% of employees’ wages (subject to a cap) to help businesses retain staff during lockdowns. Millions of jobs were supported throughout the pandemic.

Introduced Major Financial Support for the Self-Employed

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme provided grants to millions of self-employed workers whose businesses were adversely affected by the pandemic.

Negotiated the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement

By the end of 2020, the government had successfully negotiated a comprehensive free trade agreement with the European Union, allowing tariff-free and quota-free trade in goods between the UK and the EU from 1 January 2021.

Provided Extensive Business Support Grants and Loans

The government introduced unprecedented financial support for businesses, including government-backed loans, business rates relief and grant schemes for affected sectors.

Led One of the World’s Earliest COVID-19 Vaccine Procurement Programmes

The government secured advance purchase agreements with several vaccine manufacturers at an early stage, helping to ensure that the UK would be among the first countries able to begin large-scale vaccination.

Maintained the Triple Lock State Pension Commitment

Despite significant economic disruption, pensioners continued to benefit from annual State Pension increases under the Triple Lock policy.

Expanded NHS Capacity During the Pandemic

Significant additional resources were provided to the NHS, including the establishment of temporary hospital facilities and increased funding to support frontline healthcare services.

Introduced the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ Scheme

The government introduced temporary support for the hospitality sector to encourage consumer spending and protect jobs following the first national lockdown.

Continued Investment in Infrastructure and Levelling Up

Major infrastructure commitments continued despite the pandemic, including investments in transport, broadband and regional development projects.

2021 – Top 10 Achievements of the Conservative Government

The focus of 2021 shifted from crisis management to economic recovery. The UK’s vaccination programme became one of the government’s most widely recognised achievements during this period.

Successfully Delivered the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

The United Kingdom became one of the first major countries to approve and deploy COVID-19 vaccines at scale. Millions of people received vaccinations during 2021, contributing significantly to reducing hospitalisations and enabling restrictions to be lifted.

Reopened the Economy Following Pandemic Restrictions

The government implemented its roadmap out of lockdown restrictions, culminating in the lifting of most legal restrictions in England during the summer of 2021.

Extended Economic Support Measures

The furlough scheme and other business support measures were extended during the recovery period, helping businesses and workers transition back to normal economic activity.

Launched the Levelling Up Fund

Funding was allocated to support local infrastructure projects across towns and cities throughout the United Kingdom, including transport improvements and community regeneration schemes.

Introduced Freeports

The government announced and began establishing new Freeports in England, designed to encourage investment, boost exports and support regional economic growth.

Continued Record Levels of Employment Recovery

Following the severe economic disruption caused by the pandemic, employment figures recovered more quickly than many economists had anticipated.

Published the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy

The government published the most significant review of Britain’s strategic priorities for many years, setting out ambitions relating to defence, science, technology and international engagement.

Committed Significant Additional NHS Funding

Additional investment was provided to help tackle the NHS backlog resulting from the pandemic and to improve healthcare capacity.

Introduced Major Investment in Science and Innovation

Funding commitments were made across research, innovation and advanced technologies, supporting the government’s ambition for the UK to become a global science and technology superpower.

Continued Increases in the National Living Wage

The National Living Wage increased again, benefiting millions of lower-paid workers across the country.

2022 – Top 10 Achievements of the Conservative Government

The year 2022 was unusually eventful, with three Conservative Prime Ministers serving during the year—Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. It was dominated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the global energy crisis and the cost-of-living pressures experienced across Europe and beyond. Despite considerable political turbulence, a number of significant policies and achievements were delivered.

Provided Leadership in Supporting Ukraine

The UK was one of the first countries to provide substantial military, financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in February 2022. British anti-tank weapons and military assistance were widely credited with helping Ukraine in the early stages of the conflict.

Introduced the Energy Price Guarantee

The government introduced the Energy Price Guarantee to help protect households from unprecedented increases in gas and electricity prices caused largely by global energy market disruption following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Provided Cost of Living Support Payments

Billions of pounds were allocated in direct payments to pensioners, low-income households and disabled people to help alleviate cost-of-living pressures.

Passed the Health and Care Act 2022

The Act introduced significant reforms to the organisation and integration of health and social care services in England, with the aim of improving coordination between NHS organisations and local services.

Implemented Further Increases in the National Living Wage

The National Living Wage increased again, benefiting millions of workers across the United Kingdom.

Expanded Defence Spending Commitments

In response to increased geopolitical tensions, the government committed to strengthening the UK’s defence capabilities and reaffirmed its commitment to NATO and European security.

Maintained High Levels of Employment

Despite economic challenges, employment remained comparatively strong, with unemployment remaining low by historical standards.

Progressed the Levelling Up Agenda

The government published the Levelling Up White Paper, setting out twelve long-term missions aimed at reducing regional inequalities in areas such as education, transport, health and economic opportunity.

Introduced Significant Tax Reductions for Many Workers

The increase in the National Insurance threshold introduced during 2022 reduced National Insurance contributions for many employees, helping to offset rising living costs.

Expanded Investment in Nuclear and Energy Security

New commitments were announced to support nuclear power generation and improve the UK’s long-term energy resilience and security.

2023 – Top 10 Achievements of the Conservative Government

By 2023, the focus of the government under Rishi Sunak had shifted towards economic stability, reducing inflation and continuing support for public services and international security.

Inflation Was Significantly Reduced

Inflation, which had reached double digits during the global energy crisis, fell substantially during 2023 as government policy, falling energy prices and tighter monetary conditions contributed to economic stabilisation.

Maintained Strong Support for Ukraine

The UK continued to provide significant military equipment, training and financial assistance to Ukraine and remained one of its leading international supporters.

Expanded Free Childcare Provision

One of the largest childcare policy announcements in recent decades was made in the Spring Budget, with plans to extend free childcare provision significantly for working parents in England.

Increased the National Living Wage

The government announced another substantial increase in the National Living Wage, benefiting millions of lower-paid workers.

Implemented Investment Zones

Investment Zones were introduced to encourage business investment, innovation and economic growth across various regions of the United Kingdom.

Secured Major International Trade Agreements

The UK formally signed its accession agreement to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), one of the world’s largest free trade areas.

Continued Levelling Up Funding

Additional funding allocations were announced for transport, regeneration and local infrastructure projects across the UK.

Published Long-Term Energy Security Plans

The government announced further measures to support energy security, including investment in nuclear energy and renewable technologies.

Maintained High Employment Levels

Employment remained historically high despite economic challenges and slower economic growth.

Expanded Support for the Science and Technology Sector

Significant investment continued in artificial intelligence, semiconductor technologies and scientific research as part of the government’s ambition to make the UK a global technology leader.

2024 – Top 10 Achievements of the Conservative Government (January to July 2024)

The Conservative government remained in office until 5 July 2024. As this was only a partial year, the achievements listed below are those delivered, announced or implemented before the General Election. Several of these policies had been developed over preceding years but came into effect during the government’s final months in office.

Further Reduced National Insurance Contributions

The government implemented two significant cuts to employee National Insurance contributions within a matter of months. Taken together, they represented one of the largest reductions in National Insurance for working people in recent years.

Increased the National Living Wage to a Record Level

The National Living Wage rose substantially in April 2024 and was extended to workers aged 21 and over (previously 23 and over), benefiting millions of employees across the UK.

Began the Largest Expansion of Free Childcare in England in Decades

The first phase of the government’s childcare expansion programme was introduced, extending funded childcare provision for eligible working parents of younger children.

Maintained Historically High Levels of Employment

Employment levels remained comparatively strong by historical standards, despite economic headwinds experienced internationally following the pandemic and energy crisis.

Inflation Returned Close to the Bank of England’s Target

Inflation fell dramatically from its peak during the global energy crisis, representing one of the government’s stated economic priorities under Rishi Sunak.

Progressed UK Accession to the CPTPP Trade Agreement

The UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership was completed during the Conservative government’s final months in office, opening access to one of the world’s largest free trade areas.

Continued Support for Ukraine

The government announced further military and financial support for Ukraine, maintaining the UK’s position as one of Ukraine’s leading international allies.

Increased Defence Spending Commitments

The government announced plans to increase UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP in the coming years, reflecting growing concerns about global security and Britain’s NATO commitments.

Continued Investment in Artificial Intelligence and Technology

The government maintained its ambition for the UK to become a global science and technology leader through continued support for artificial intelligence, advanced technologies and innovation.

Maintained Major Infrastructure and Levelling Up Projects

Investment continued in numerous regional infrastructure and regeneration projects that had been funded under the Levelling Up agenda across England and the wider United Kingdom.

It’s clear that the 2010-2024 Conservative Government got a huge amount done, and dealt with many world events at the same time, fixing the mess that the previous Labour Government left us, dealing with the Financial Crisis, delivering a Referendum on Leaving the EU, negotiating a deal to leave the EU, leaving the EU, Covid and economic recovery, War in Europe.

So, it’s time to remember what we achieved in 2010-24, and know that we will do the same in a future Conservative Government.

That is, Make The UK Better.

Thanks for reading.

Graham

Twitter : @apple_shwn

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Graham’s Blogging World

20 July, 2026

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