A biting new cartoon by the acclaimed illustrator Pete Songi has set the tone for the political year ahead, offering a satirical glimpse into what the UK government's New Year resolutions for 2026 might look like. Published on the first day of the year, the artwork uses the familiar trope of personal pledges to lampoon the perceived failings and strategies of those in power.
A Cynical List of Political Promises
The cartoon, featured in The Guardian's Comment is Free section, presents a handwritten list titled 'UK Government New Year Resolutions'. The list is a masterclass in political satire, cutting to the heart of contemporary criticisms. Instead of aspirations for self-improvement, the resolutions read as a playbook for maintaining power through deflection and obfuscation.
Among the mock pledges are directives to 'blame others', a frequent accusation levelled at politicians of all stripes. Another resolution bluntly states 'ignore experts', a nod to controversies where scientific or economic advice has been seemingly sidelined. The list continues with 'find new scapegoats' and the economically focused 'cut taxes for mates', painting a picture of a government more interested in cronyism and populist rhetoric than substantive governance.
The Art of Political Commentary
Pete Songi, known for his sharp and evocative style, distils complex political narratives into a single, impactful image. The cartoon's power lies in its simplicity and the uncomfortable truth it suggests. By framing these actions as deliberate 'resolutions', Songi implies a calculated and ongoing strategy rather than a series of accidental missteps.
The choice of 1 January 2026 as the publication date is significant. It positions the cartoon not just as a comment on the present, but as a pessimistic prophecy for the year to come. It challenges the viewer to consider whether the next twelve months will see a change in approach or a continuation of the behaviours listed.
Reactions and Lasting Impact
While the immediate reaction to a single cartoon is hard to quantify, its publication in a major outlet like The Guardian ensures it reaches a wide audience. Such works serve as a cultural barometer, crystallising public sentiment and frustration in a way that lengthy articles sometimes cannot. For many readers, it will affirm existing criticisms; for others, it may frame the political discourse in a new, more cynical light.
The resolutions listed by Songi touch on several enduring themes in British politics:
- Accountability: The avoidance of blame and the search for scapegoats.
- Evidence-based policy: The tension between expert opinion and political decision-making.
- Economic fairness: Allegations of preferential treatment for connected interests.
In essence, Pete Songi's cartoon for 2026 acts as a mirror, reflecting a deep-seated scepticism about the motives and methods of the political class. It replaces the hopeful tradition of New Year resolutions with a stark, humorous, and deeply political reality check.
