BASW reacts to Prime Minister's Resignation

Political instability will deliver shockwaves for communities already struggling, warns BASW

The next Prime Minister has an uphill battle on their hands to make the case for progressive, fair policies that put people at the heart and tackle hardship gripping our country. 

BASW Interim CEO, Professor Sam Baron

Today the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister and set out a timetable for a new Labour Leader – and Prime Minister – to replace him. 

BASW has enjoyed a positive working relationship with Ministers and government departments under Sir Keir’s premiership, and recently we welcomed his comments recognising the merits of BASW’s campaign to stop overseas social workers settlement wait being extended.

Other priorities from our 2024 General Election Manifesto for Social Work – including scrapping the two-child limit and introducing a new Mental Health Act for England and Wales – have also happened under his leadership.

With a change in Downing Street happening less than two years after the General Election, BASW has expressed deep-seated concern about the impact that more political turmoil will have on vulnerable communities already being punished by unsustainable cost of living pressures.

BASW’s Interim Chief Executive, Professor Sam Baron said:

“At a time when the country needs stability and a clear way forward, it is deeply frustrating that we are once again going to have a new Prime Minister with a new ministerial team enacting a new policy platform.

“This instability also risks a premature General Election, which could result in a government that does not share social work values of ethics, human rights, and social justice. The rise of parties who have no regard for equality or service to humanity poses a sinister threat. Politics is not a game to be won, but a fundamental process that people’s lives and livelihoods depend on, and politicians must get it right. 

“The next Prime Minister has an uphill battle on their hands to make the case for progressive, fair policies that put people at the heart and tackle hardship gripping our country. If they fail, it is social workers and the individuals and communities our profession proudly supports who will pay the price.

“BASW has a clear set of asks of this government that we have campaigned on since our manifesto was published. Our mission does not change. Whoever the next Prime Minister is, we urge them to refocus this government on delivering actions that improve people’s lives and continue working with BASW to promote a stronger social work profession and a fairer society.”