Keir Starmer’s government is distinguished from its predecessors by its mission-driven approach, an ethos that underscores much of its policymaking and strategic direction. This concept, popularized by economist Mariana Mazzucato, emphasizes the need for governments to tackle societal challenges through clearly defined, measurable goals—referred to as “missions.” This framework has been embraced by Starmer’s leadership, largely thanks to the influence of Peter Hyman, a former Blair adviser who, though not officially part of the current No 10 team, has left a lasting mark on its strategy.

The mission-led government approach is not just a branding exercise; it reflects a deep shift in how Labour under Starmer views governance. Rather than the piecemeal, reactive policy development that has sometimes characterized past administrations, Starmer’s team seeks to tackle systemic, long-term challenges through well-defined missions. Each mission is intended to be cross-departmental, bringing together various arms of government to focus on a single goal—whether it’s climate change, inequality, or rebuilding the economy after years of stagnation.

The Mission Framework: A Focus on Big Challenges

The core of the mission-led approach is identifying key national challenges and working toward specific outcomes. One of Starmer’s central missions is addressing climate change, a priority that aligns with the growing demands from the public and international community for action on environmental issues. Unlike previous governments, which often placed climate change as one policy among many, Starmer’s government treats it as an overarching framework for economic renewal. This approach takes inspiration from Mazzucato’s theories, which advocate for public investment in innovation to drive societal benefits, with the green economy at the heart of this transformation.

Another critical mission is reducing regional inequalities, often referred to as the “levelling up” agenda. While previous Conservative administrations have used this phrase, Starmer’s government has taken a more focused, mission-oriented approach. The goal is to close the gap between prosperous urban areas and struggling regions, particularly in the North of England and other traditionally Labour-voting areas that swung to the Conservatives in 2019. This mission integrates economic policy with infrastructure development, skills training, and healthcare reforms, aiming to create a more equitable society.

The third mission relates to rebuilding trust in politics and public institutions, a challenge that has become ever more pressing in the post-Brexit era. Starmer’s government recognizes that political alienation, fueled by years of perceived government incompetence and corruption, poses a serious threat to democracy. By focusing on transparency, accountability, and a commitment to clean governance, Starmer hopes to restore public confidence in the political system.

A Response to Modern Challenges

This mission-driven approach also reflects Starmer’s understanding of the complexities of governing in the modern world. The Covid-19 pandemic, economic instability, and geopolitical tensions have created a new landscape of challenges that require more than traditional, incremental policy responses. By adopting missions, Starmer’s government can break down these challenges into manageable, actionable steps while maintaining a broader, long-term vision.

Furthermore, the mission-led approach allows for more flexibility and innovation in how government operates. It encourages cross-departmental collaboration, breaking down silos that often hinder progress. For example, tackling inequality requires coordination between the Treasury, the Department for Education, and the Department for Health and Social Care, among others. The mission framework allows for such coordination by setting clear, shared objectives that transcend individual departmental mandates.

Challenges to the Mission-Driven Approach

While this approach has its merits, it’s not without its critics. Some argue that the missions can be overly ambitious or vague, making it difficult to measure success. Others worry that the focus on long-term goals might lead to neglecting immediate, pressing issues that affect everyday lives. Additionally, there’s the question of resources: achieving these ambitious missions will require substantial public investment, which could be constrained by economic conditions or political opposition.

Moreover, critics within the Labour Party itself have voiced concerns that the mission-driven approach might alienate traditional supporters, particularly if the focus on large-scale societal changes is seen as out of touch with the immediate needs of working-class voters. Starmer must balance the ambitious, forward-looking nature of the missions with the need to address the practical, day-to-day concerns of his constituents.

Conclusion: A Bold New Direction

Keir Starmer’s government, through its mission-driven framework, is attempting to chart a bold new course for Britain. This approach, inspired by the work of Mariana Mazzucato and championed by advisers like Peter Hyman, seeks to address the root causes of the country’s most pressing challenges. Whether it’s combating climate change, reducing inequality, or restoring trust in public institutions, Starmer’s missions aim to provide the long-term vision and clarity that many feel has been lacking in recent years.

However, the success of this approach will depend on its implementation. The missions must be specific enough to generate measurable progress, yet flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances. Moreover, they will require political will, public support, and significant resources—factors that are far from guaranteed. Nonetheless, by adopting a mission-driven approach, Starmer is setting his government apart from its predecessors, signaling a determination to tackle Britain’s challenges in a comprehensive and coordinated manner.