When we were elected in July, we inherited a country in desperate need of renewal. Public services on their knees. A 22 billion pound black hole concealed not just from us, but from the entire nation.
I don't offer this as an excuse. We expect to be judged on our ability to deal with it. And from stopping the strike so we can cut NHS waiting lists, to reforming planning to build more homes, and setting up our new Border Security Command, the work of change has already begun. It's a plan with three clear stages.
First, we stabilize our economy, because that's what everything rests upon. Second, we fix the foundations, confront tough decisions ignored by the Tories for years. And third, we build with pride and determination, a Britain that belongs to you. That respects your contribution and gives everyone a fair chance to succeed.
I know this country is exhausted by politics. I know that the cost of living crisis drew a veil over the joy in our lives. And I want to be clear, there is now light at the end of the tunnel and a driving purpose behind everything we do.
Higher economic growth, so living standards rise in every community. Our NHS back on its feet facing the future. Safer streets in your community. Stronger borders. More opportunities for your children. Clean British energy powering your home, making our country more secure.
These are National missions I believe we can all get behind. But of course, they're not easy. If they were, they'd have been done year ago. So while I know it is hard to hear a politician ask the country to dig deep, again.
We do need a long-term plan. And the quicker we take the tough decisions now, the quicker we can bring that light, a Britain return to the service of working people, a little closer to us all.