Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government Keir Starmer rewires the state: An interview with the prime minister
Mar 13, 2025
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the UK, discusses his bold plans to reform the civil service and abolish NHS England. He argues for a cultural shift in public service, empowering leaders and front-line staff to drive change. Alex Thomas, a civil service expert, offers insights on the urgent need for accountability and improved performance management. Gus O’Donnell, a former Cabinet Secretary, shares his perspective on navigating bureaucracy and emphasizes the importance of genuine reform over mere structural changes in government.
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Bureaucracy and Politicians
- Starmer suggests that bureaucratic hurdles often stem from politicians avoiding decisions.
- They create processes and consultations to defer responsibility.
Empowering Ministers for Change
- Empower ministers to make quick changes, fostering a cultural shift away from fearing responsibility.
- Drive technological advancements from the center to ensure speed and consistency.
NHS England Abolition Rationale
- Abolishing NHS England aims to reduce duplication and empower decision-making, potentially freeing up resources.
- It also addresses the issue of politicians disempowering themselves by offloading decisions to arm's length bodies.