Sir Keir Starmer and his Labour Party have been in power for just shy of 200 days, and on returning for the first time in 14 years promised a deluge of reforms and policy changes.

While Sir Keir has overseen numerous changes, the party seems to be quietly retreating from a number of its key promises.

When former prime minister Rishi Sunak decided to ease the UK’s net zero targets, he was slammed by Labour as reckless and unconcerned about the country’s future.

Ed Miliband, the then-shadow energy secretary, called the move “chaotic” and “out of touch”. Now, Sir Keir’s government finds itself making similar concessions as economic pressures mount.

This is just one in several U-turns, however.

Boiler ban

Initially proposed by Boris Johnson, the plan to ban gas boilers by 2035 has been softened.

Labour now states only newly built properties will be subject to the ban, while existing homes can continue using gas boilers.

Mr Miliband confirmed the move, citing concerns over the affordability of green alternatives.

Electric vehicle quotas

Labour’s ambitious EV quotas have faced a backlash from the automotive industry, leading to a government consultation aimed at easing targets and penalties for carmakers.

This could allow companies that fall short of initial sales targets to avoid a fine, as long as they beat them by an equal amount in future years.

However, Sir Keir’s government remains committed to the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel vehicles.

Boiler tax

A proposed tax on boiler manufacturers to encourage heat pump adoption has been drastically reduced, with penalties now slashed from £3,000 to just £500 per missed unit.

Clean energy by 2030

Labour’s manifesto promised a transition to “clean energy by 2030,” but Sir Keir has walked back that commitment. The party is now aiming for 95% clean power by the end of the decade.

Flight tax

The sustainable aviation fuel mandate, which could add hundreds to the cost of air travel, is under review. Labour may adjust the policy to avoid significant price hikes for consumers.

The Government insists that these changes reflect a balanced approach to tackling the climate crisis without harming the economy. However, critics warn that Labour’s ongoing compromises could undermine its credibility as a leader in environmental progress.

The Labour Party has, however, delivered some of its promises to the British public.

It has introduced planning reforms to facilitate the construction of 1.5million new homes by 2029. These include adjustments to England’s national planning policy and expansion into green belt areas.

Industry leaders have praised the Government’s swift action but challenges remain, such as the need for increased investment in affordable housing.

The 2024 General Election was dominated by concerns over illegal immigration. Labour has now intensified efforts to combat illegal entries into the country, achieving the highest deportation rate since 2018.

In the first six months of the Government’s tenure, 16,400 illegal migrants were removed. Sir Keir emphasised that deporting migrants to their home countries serves as a more effective deterrent than the previous government’s Rwanda scheme