Andy Burnham to promise 'sense of optimism' in first Commons statement as PM

Live updates

1. 13d ago

   Andy Burnham addresses Parliament for first time as Prime Minister

   Prime Minister Andy Burnham has delivered his first statement to MPs, blaming austerity and Brexit for 10 years of stalled growth. Burnham argued that increasing public control is the necessary path to grow the UK economy. During the address, he paid tribute to the lifetime of public service provided by Keir Starmer. This appearance follows the announcement that Starmer is stepping down from Parliament.

   Why it matters

   Burnham takes over leadership during a period of internal Labour party tension regarding welfare and migration. His first parliamentary appearance marks the end of his initial transition period.

   What is confirmed

   • Andy Burnham has faced Parliament for the first time as prime minister.
   • Burnham told MPs that more public control is the way to grow the UK economy.
   • Keir Starmer announced he is stepping down from Parliament.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Burnham attributed 10 years of stalled growth to Brexit and austerity.

   What to watch next

   • Burnham's first legislative proposals for public economic control
   • Further details on the timing of Keir Starmer's departure from Parliament
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. The Guardian — More public control is the way to grow UK economy, Burnham to tell MPs
   2. bbc.com — Andy Burnham to face Parliament as prime minister for first time
   3. Bloomberg.com — Labour Angst Over Migrants and Welfare Will Test Burnham’s Backbone
   4. politico.eu — Burnham enters the political bearpit
   5. Yahoo — Burnham’s honeymoon is over. The real work starts now
   6. www.mirror.co.uk — Andy Burnham LIVE: PM blasts Brexit and austerity for '10 years of stalled growth'
   7. www.express.co.uk — Andy Burnham breaks silence after Keir Starmer makes bombshell announcement
   confidence 90%