LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer embarked on a pivotal week following his decisive electoral victory, adopting a measured tone rather than exuding triumphalism. Acknowledging the monumental task of repairing a country beleaguered by 14 years of Conservative Party governance, he characterized it as a daunting challenge, with anticipated progress being gradual and hard-earned.

In his inaugural address outside No. 10 Downing St. on Friday, Starmer spoke to the pervasive weariness in Britain after years under Conservative rule, lamenting the erosion of hope and optimism for a brighter future.

The nation confronts a multitude of issues: stagnant economic growth and wages, high rates of child poverty and homelessness, and declining healthcare and public services. Overflowing prisons, bankrupt local governments, and environmental concerns such as sewage in rivers and seas add to the challenges, managed by privatized utilities.

Starmer, aged 61, presents his blend of progressivism and pragmatism as the remedy to this widespread sense of national disrepair. However, there are significant gaps in his strategy for achieving these objectives.

“It’s going to be a challenging beginning,” observed Anand Menon, director of UK in a Changing Europe, stressing the need to manage public expectations and convey that progress will require patience.

While the British electorate desires swift change, details on Labour's plan for achieving it remain unclear following the election campaign.

Starmer’s cautious approach has garnered praise from mainstream analysts, particularly following the turbulent tenures of four Conservative prime ministers in five years. He emphasizes that his administration will be judged on tangible achievements rather than rhetoric.

Central to his agenda is revitalizing the economy to become the fastest-growing among the Group of Seven nations, while adhering to Conservative spending limits and avoiding significant tax hikes. Economists argue that achieving such growth may necessitate exploring avenues like "stealth taxes" on capital gains.

“We will gain further insights into Labour’s agenda during two pivotal moments,” explained Joe Owen, director of impact at the Institute for Government. These include next week’s King’s Speech outlining legislative priorities and the autumn session setting spending plans for the next year.

In his initial days in office, Starmer's Labour demonstrated readiness to introduce unexpected policies not disclosed during the campaign. He swiftly scrapped the previous government’s controversial plan to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda and raised eyebrows with the appointment of James Timpson, a businessman championing ex-convicts, as prisons minister.

Internationally, Britain navigates a complex landscape dominated by global powers such as the U.S., China, and the European Union. Crucial is the relationship with Washington, where Starmer pledges close cooperation regardless of the outcome of the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

Starmer aligns himself with President Joe Biden, both presenting as stalwarts of liberal, centrist stability in contrast to their predecessors. This stance sharply diverges from presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, whom Starmer criticizes as a destabilizing force in global affairs.

David Lammy, Starmer’s foreign minister, has worked to ease diplomatic tensions, previously describing Trump critically. However, challenges persist, particularly concerning issues like Ukraine.

Domestically, Starmer confronts pressure from the left of his party on issues like Gaza and China, amidst a backdrop of rising populist movements across Europe, fueled by dissatisfaction with mainstream politics.

Chatham House underscores that Labour’s success in enhancing Britain’s global standing hinges on effective handling of domestic challenges, especially post-Brexit as the nation forges new international relationships.

“This government will prioritize delivery and service,” Starmer affirmed, signaling a departure from self-serving politics of the past. As Britain stands at a crossroads, uncertainties following the election underscore the significant challenges ahead for Starmer’s administration.