Newly-elected British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced the opposition in Parliament for the first time on Wednesday since acquiring his post and promised to remove many of Liz Truss' policies to restore economic stability.
The Hindu lawmaker axed more of his predecessor's flagship policies, announcing the reinstatement of a moratorium on fracking for shale gas that Truss previously lifted. He also has control over plans for large-scale deregulation of the economy, which was part of Truss' vision to unleash economic growth.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
The new prime minister has already appointed a government that mixes allies with experienced ministers from the administrations of his two immediate predecessors, Truss and Boris Johnson. The decision was made amid efforts to tackle the country's multiple economic issues at hand.
One of Sunak's first acts as prime minister was to delay a key economic statement by more than two weeks, until Nov. 17. This would allow the government to use the most accurate possible forecasts as it seeks to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, as per the Associated Press.
Sunak, in a statement to the House of Commons, said that they will have to take difficult decisions in order to restore economic stability and confidence to the region. Furthermore, he said that they will do it in a fair way. The prime minister added that he would protect the most vulnerable.
Opposition lawmakers focused on the baggage that Sunak's new government carried: ministers from the Cabinets of Johnson. The former prime minister quit his job after a slew of ethics scandals, and Truss, whose government lasted only seven weeks.
According to CNN, Sunak's appointment as British prime minister is history in the making because he is the first person of Indian descent to sit in the position. Many in the South Asian nation were also quick to congratulate him, with some in the media claiming him as their own.
Tough Problems
The situation comes as India was once part of a British empire that stretched across the globe so far that it was often said that the sun would never set on it. However, 75 years after the end of the British Raj, many Indian commentators expressed their joy at how times have changed.
One headline noted that the Indian son has risen over the empire, arguing that history has come full circle, from Britain ruling over India, to an Indian-descent politician becoming prime minister. An anchor added, "India was [once] under the governance of Britain. Now, an Indian-origin man has become the Prime Minister of England."
Some see Sunak's appointment as prime minister as the latest in a series of events to highlight the contrasting fortunes of a rising Indian economy and the recent economic crisis of Britain. After Britain's exit from the European Union, London authorities have repeatedly looked to their former colony for a boost, searching for a free-trade deal and granting more visas to Indian nationals compared to any other country.
Despite the support, Sunak faces a tough winter as the British prime minister will have to deal with various issues, including recession and rising interest rates. The Bank of England is also trying to tame double-digit inflation while consumers are suffering from rising costs and falling real incomes, Reuters reported.