Johnson had initially planned to use the conference this week to move past the COVID-19 pandemic and focus on fulfilling his promises from the 2019 election regarding regional inequality, crime, and social care. However, instead of moving forward, the prime minister is facing challenges following Britain's exit from the European Union, which he had claimed would enable the country to have more control over its economy. Now, he is dealing with issues such as fuel shortages, concerns about Christmas supplies, and increasing gas prices. In a statement before the conference in Manchester, Johnson avoided mentioning these ongoing problems and instead highlighted his government's achievements in addressing the public's needs. He emphasized the importance of not reverting to the way things were before the pandemic. The concept of Build Back Better involves making changes and improvements as we recover, with a focus on key priorities such as social care, job support, climate change, crime prevention, and addressing inequalities. The government has highlighted its efforts to support businesses and protect jobs during the pandemic, as well as its successful vaccination programme. However, critics argue that this narrative ignores early missteps in handling the pandemic, particularly the reluctance to impose lockdowns. Some lawmakers, especially from northern and central England, may criticize the withdrawal of benefits and job support schemes at the conference.