In 2024, following years of austerity, political instability and external shocks including Brexit, COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis, Keir Starmer's Labour Party was voted into power in the UK. This book is the first in-depth analysis of Starmer's government from a social policy perspective.

Through expert chapters covering broad themes such as public expenditure, public opinion and devolution, and substantive areas including children and families, health, education, housing, social security, immigration, climate change and criminal justice, the book situates Labour's approach within a comparative framework of political traditions.

An invaluable text for anyone studying or teaching social and public policy, this book offers a rigorous, accessible foundation for understanding the ideas and constraints shaping contemporary social welfare in the United Kingdom.

Hugh Bochel is Emeritus Professor of Public Policy in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Lincoln.

Martin Powell is Professor Emeritus of Health and Social Policy at the Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham.