Andy Burnham promises more devolution and public control of essential services
Prime Minister Andy Burnham used his first address to the House of Commons to call for substantial change, pledging new devolution deals and stronger public control of essential services. Burnham attributed a decade of low growth to Brexit and argued that Britain lost its way under Margaret Thatcher. While pledging fiscal stability, he declined to rule out further debt. His debut faced a mixed reception, with some critics accusing him of returning the country to the 1970s or lacking substance despite a stylish delivery.
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- ✓ Andy Burnham pledged devolution deals and stronger public control of essential services in his first address to MPs.
- ✓ The Prime Minister attributed a decade of low growth to Brexit.
- ✓ Burnham stated that Britain lost its way with Thatcher and Brexit.
- ✓ Burnham pledged fiscal stability but did not rule out more debt.
What changed
Andy Burnham delivered his first speech to MPs as Prime Minister, outlining his vision for devolution and blaming past political directions for current economic stagnation.
Live updates
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PM Andy Burnham pledges devolution and public control of services
Prime Minister Andy Burnham used his first address to the House of Commons to call for substantial change, pledging new devolution deals and stronger public control of essential services. Burnham attributed a decade of low growth to Brexit and argued that Britain lost its way under Margaret Thatcher. While pledging fiscal stability, he declined to rule out further debt. His debut faced a mixed reception, with some critics accusing him of returning the country to the 1970s or lacking substance despite a stylish delivery.
Why it matters
Burnham's transition to Prime Minister follows a summer tour and precedes his first major budget. He now faces immediate pressure regarding borrowing costs, spending, and international tensions involving Iran.
What is confirmed
- Andy Burnham pledged devolution deals and stronger public control of essential services in his first address to MPs.
- The Prime Minister attributed a decade of low growth to Brexit.
- Burnham stated that Britain lost its way with Thatcher and Brexit.
- Burnham pledged fiscal stability but did not rule out more debt.
Still unconfirmed
- Burnham is terrified that Kemi Badenoch will expose him as a third-rate court jester.
- Burnham is taking Britain back to the 1970s.
What to watch next
- Burnham's first budget decisions regarding tax promises and defence targets
- The Prime Minister's response to borrowing costs and spending during Prime Minister's Questions
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (39)
- politico.eu — The Trump-shaped problems awaiting Andy Burnham, ranked
- The Guardian — Tax promises, defence targets and Iran: Andy Burnham’s budget headaches
- The Guardian — Burnham to say he wants to unlock ‘positivity’ in first statement to MPs since becoming PM – UK politics live
- The Independent — As Burnham’s bounce falls flat, Labour must focus instead on fixing Britain
- BBC — Burnham holds cabinet meeting ahead of first address to Commons as PM
- The Times — Andy Burnham gives first speech to Commons as prime minister — follow live
- BBC — Andy Burnham promises more devolution and public control of essential services
- BBC — Live updates: Burnham pledges devolution deals and 'stronger public control' of services in first address to MPs
- Yahoo — Starmer drama on Burnham’s first day back at Westminster
- The Guardian — Burnham blames Brexit and Thatcher for ‘wrong turns’ in first Commons speech as PM
- The Independent — Andy Burnham live: PM blames Brexit for ‘decade of low growth’ in first address
- France 24 — UK needs 'substantial change', says PM Andy Burnham in maiden parliament speech
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