5 tests for the new UK Prime Minister for a fairer world

Test 1: Fix the economy so it works for everyone, not just those at the top

Across Britain and around the world, millions of people are struggling to get by and meet their basic needs, while wealth continues to concentrate at the top.

The rules are driving money upwards, shifting resources away from climate action, public services, and international aid commitments – fuelling inequalities and leaving millions paying the price. It does not have to be this way.

Within his first 100 days, Oxfam is calling on the new Prime Minister to introduce a UK wealth tax.

Three quarters of the UK public (76%) already support a 2% wealth tax on assets over £10 million, which could raise an estimated £24 billion a year to:

• help reduce poverty
• act on the climate crisis
• strengthen public services
• tackle inequality in the UK and around the world.

The UK must demonstrate leadership on the world stage by supporting the UN Tax Convention to end tax havens, make polluters pay and tax the super-rich.

Test 2: Demonstrate leadership on the global stage

Britain cannot build a safer future by stepping back from the world. International law is under attack, human rights and gender equality are being rolled back, and climate crises are accelerating.

Palestinians continue to bear the devastating consequences of Israel’s occupation, settlement expansion in the West Bank and the genocide in Gaza. Across DRC, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen and beyond, millions of people are enduring devastating conflicts, where violence, hunger and displacement have become a daily reality.

These crises are a reminder that people everywhere have the right to live with dignity, security, and protection from atrocities. The UK cannot credibly defend a rules-based international order while failing to uphold it consistently.

Within his first 100 days, Oxfam is calling on the new Prime Minister to restore the UK aid budget to 0.7% of Gross National Income, and commit to upholding the UK’s obligations under international law. 

This must be demonstrated by the UK implementing a comprehensive ban on trade and investment in illegal Israeli settlements, ending arms sales to Israel and working with global partners to strengthen international accountability mechanisms.

Test 3: Let local people lead

The Prime Minister has made putting power closer to people a central part of his vision for Britain. That same principle should shape how the UK works with communities around the world.

Too often, decisions about aid are made far away from the people it is designed to support. Too much UK aid still flows through large international organisations and contractors, rather than directly to local organisations that understand their communities best. Giving local people more power over decisions and resources means support can be faster, more effective and better matched to what communities actually need.

Within his first 100 days, Oxfam is calling on the new Prime Minister to increase the share of UK aid going to local organisations.

This needs to include women’s rights groups, and he needs to cut red tape so grassroots groups can access funding more easily, giving these key actors direct control over flexible funding, recognising they play a critical role in peacebuilding.

Test 4: Tackle the climate crisis for people and planet

June was the hottest on record in the UK, and with extended heatwaves across Europe, this is proof that the climate crisis is already here and already affecting people’s health, homes and livelihoods.

From heatwaves and flooding in the UK to hunger and displacement globally, it is shaping everyday life and those who have contributed least are often the most affected.

The UK needs to move to cleaner, greener energy and away from burning fossil fuels and to ensure this transition is fair.

Within his first 100 days, Oxfam is calling on the new Prime Minister to make polluters pay through stronger taxation on fossil fuel companies and the super-rich.

The UK must ensure that the shift to renewable energy leaves no-one behind and supports communities and workers through change. The new Prime Minister must also ensure an end to new oil and gas licensing in the North Sea.

Test 5:  End the politics of division and build hope

The politics of division asks people to believe our problems are caused by “others” whether migrants, people in other countries, or marginalised groups. But poverty is a political choice fuelled by injustice and inequality.

Division does not solve problems; it gets in the way of fixing them.

The new Prime Minister has a chance to take a different approach: moving away from scapegoating and towards a politics that is honest about the real causes of the challenges we face and focused on solutions that work for everyone.

Afterall there is no them just us.

Within his first 100 days, Oxfam is calling on the new Prime Minister to take leadership, stand up for all communities, and demonstrate that the UK's strength is it's diversity.

He must lead to end the scapegoating of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. He must clearly set out that racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, sexism, misogyny and transphobia has no place in British society or politics.

He must set out how he will reset politics, and support communities to bring people together.

As Andy Burnham takes on his role as Prime Minister, these are the five tests we will be checking to ensure his premiership works towards a world free from poverty and inequality from Manchester to Mozambique; where everyone has the power to thrive, not just survive.