Any new year now seems to start with a tidal wave of major political speeches setting out party plans for the year ahead.

And so 2023 began when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stepped up to the podium last week. His ambitions, he said, were clear: cut inflation; reduce national debt; grow the economy; stop small boats crossing the channel; and rescue the NHS. Achievable, measurable and largely honourable goals – most of which were based on long-existing Government plans.