Showing posts with label Andy Burnham. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Andy Burnham. Show all posts
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Do We Need to Talk About Brexit?
I am so impressed by Andy Burnham’s honesty and courage to speak the truth, especially because many people don’t wish to hear the truth because it hurts their unpopular cause namely to stay out of the European Union forever.
But that scenario is looking increasingly unlikely now. Andy Burnham will surely win this war and take us right back into the heart if the European Union, where this country will gain in influence and prosperity. Instead of being an also-ran, it will be up there with the best and most powerful of them.
This movement will soon become unstoppable. It will, of course, be music to the ears of the nation’s young, progressive, and ambitious. It will enable them to begin to realise their dreams. Bring it on, I say! Ah! Eastward ho! — © Mark Alexander
Monday, October 12, 2026
Should the UK Rejoin the European Union? | BBC Politics Live
October 12. 2026 | The Guardian's Rafael Behr has argued that the choice the UK has is to get closer to Europe or to become "substantially less attractive to investment".
Responding on the BBC's Politics Live, the founder of Britain Unbound, Steve Wright, said: "We have the opportunity to do whatever we want; it is our rulebook now."
Labour MP Anneliese Dodds and Conservative MP Lewis Cocking also joined presenter Vicki Young to discuss the topic.
Responding on the BBC's Politics Live, the founder of Britain Unbound, Steve Wright, said: "We have the opportunity to do whatever we want; it is our rulebook now."
Labour MP Anneliese Dodds and Conservative MP Lewis Cocking also joined presenter Vicki Young to discuss the topic.
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Andy Burnham Says It Is Clear Russia Interfered in Brexit Referendum
THE GUARDIAN: PM says he asked question upon entering No 10 but does not reveal who gave him ‘clear answer’ that Russia meddled
Screenshot taken from this Guardian article. | Andy Burnham: ‘We haven’t informed people sufficiently about the extent to which people are seeking to disrupt the political process from overseas.’ Photograph: Christopher Furlong/AFP/Getty Images
Andy Burnham has said it is clear Russia interfered in the Brexit referendum, after seeking answers on the Kremlin’s involvement in the 2016 vote when he entered Downing Street.
Burnham said he had asked whether Moscow had attempted to influence the referendum and received a confirmation that it had.
Speaking on the podcast The Rest is Politics, Burnham said: “I asked the question coming to Downing Street: well, was there interference in the 2016 referendum from Russia? I’ve had the clear answer that yes, there was.”
His comments mark a significant departure from the position taken by past Conservative governments, which insisted there was no evidence of successful interference by Russia in the hugely consequential referendum vote.
Burnham did not disclose who had given him the assessment, what evidence it was based on or whether any interference had affected the result of the vote.
A report by parliament’s intelligence and security committee in 2020 criticised the government and intelligence agencies for failing to properly investigate potential Russian interference in the referendum. » | Aletha Adu Political correspondent | Sunday, October 11, 2026
At last! A prime minister willing and courageous enough to tell us the truth! It was as clear as crystal to the wide-awake that Russia was behind that ridiculous Brexit referendum. What must be done now is simple: Brexit must be reversed. ASAP — © Mark Alexander
Andy Burnham has said it is clear Russia interfered in the Brexit referendum, after seeking answers on the Kremlin’s involvement in the 2016 vote when he entered Downing Street.
Burnham said he had asked whether Moscow had attempted to influence the referendum and received a confirmation that it had.
Speaking on the podcast The Rest is Politics, Burnham said: “I asked the question coming to Downing Street: well, was there interference in the 2016 referendum from Russia? I’ve had the clear answer that yes, there was.”
His comments mark a significant departure from the position taken by past Conservative governments, which insisted there was no evidence of successful interference by Russia in the hugely consequential referendum vote.
Burnham did not disclose who had given him the assessment, what evidence it was based on or whether any interference had affected the result of the vote.
A report by parliament’s intelligence and security committee in 2020 criticised the government and intelligence agencies for failing to properly investigate potential Russian interference in the referendum. » | Aletha Adu Political correspondent | Sunday, October 11, 2026
At last! A prime minister willing and courageous enough to tell us the truth! It was as clear as crystal to the wide-awake that Russia was behind that ridiculous Brexit referendum. What must be done now is simple: Brexit must be reversed. ASAP — © Mark Alexander
Friday, October 02, 2026
Michael Lambert: Andy Burnham's Great Ideas but How Will He Pay for Them?
Oct 2, 2026 | Andy Burnham's speech to the Labour Conference promised a 10-year plan to fix Britain - but how will it be paid for?
In an excellent speech Andy Burnham set out tougher controls on water companies and renationalisation, if needed, more council houses, an end to rough sleeping, proper reform and investment in social care to save the NHS, further devolution, electoral reform - and a hint at a return to the EU.
Britain is broke. We have the highest energy prices in Europe, the highest rail fares, the lowest state pension, plus massive waste on Hinkley Point and HS2.
You only get money by growing businesses, building new ones and increasing economic activity - and there was nothing in the speech about how to do that.
In an excellent speech Andy Burnham set out tougher controls on water companies and renationalisation, if needed, more council houses, an end to rough sleeping, proper reform and investment in social care to save the NHS, further devolution, electoral reform - and a hint at a return to the EU.
Britain is broke. We have the highest energy prices in Europe, the highest rail fares, the lowest state pension, plus massive waste on Hinkley Point and HS2.
You only get money by growing businesses, building new ones and increasing economic activity - and there was nothing in the speech about how to do that.
Can Burnham Dismantle Thatcher’s Revolution?
Oct 2, 2026 | UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to reverse Margaret Thatcher’s economic legacy.
Bloomberg Originals explores whether this proposed rollback is feasible in the UK’s current fiscal landscape. …
Burnham rolls dice on radical policies he knows may backfire
Bloomberg Originals explores whether this proposed rollback is feasible in the UK’s current fiscal landscape. …
Burnham rolls dice on radical policies he knows may backfire
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Andy Burnham: 'Brexit Has Caused More Harm Than Good' | BBC Radio 4 Today
Sep 30, 2026 | Andy Burnham has suggested rejoining the EU is among options the government could examine to reshape the UK's long-term relationship with Europe.
Speaking to Today's Nick Robinson, the prime minister said "Brexit has caused more harm than good", and the government is exploring "different options".
He also agreed that the UK is facing an energy crisis but refused to say whether people will be offered more than the temporary VAT cut to help with rising energy bills.
When pressed on his vow to scrap the state pension triple lock by 2030, he said it will be an "adjustment" that keeps "in play" the three elements of rising with inflation, 2.5% or reflecting earnings growth.
Speaking to Today's Nick Robinson, the prime minister said "Brexit has caused more harm than good", and the government is exploring "different options".
He also agreed that the UK is facing an energy crisis but refused to say whether people will be offered more than the temporary VAT cut to help with rising energy bills.
When pressed on his vow to scrap the state pension triple lock by 2030, he said it will be an "adjustment" that keeps "in play" the three elements of rising with inflation, 2.5% or reflecting earnings growth.
Friday, September 04, 2026
Michael Lambert: Why Andy Burnham Can't Save Britain without Europe
Sep 4, 2026 | Andy Burnham is widely seen as competent and decent - but can he actually turn Britain around without confronting Europe?
In this video I argue that unless Burnham faces up to Brexit, any recovery plan is doomed. From trade deals to growth to living standards, Britain is on a downward trajectory that 30 India deals won't fix.
In this video I argue that unless Burnham faces up to Brexit, any recovery plan is doomed. From trade deals to growth to living standards, Britain is on a downward trajectory that 30 India deals won't fix.
Wednesday, September 02, 2026
Camilla Tominey, Ed Conway & Jenny Chapman Debate Andy Burnham's Take on Britain's "Wrong Turns"
Related link here »
Burnham Blames Brexit and Thatcher: Is He Right about Britain’s Problems? | Jeremy Vine
September 2, 2026 | In his first Commons address as Prime Minister, Burnham blamed both for years of low growth, saying Britain needs more substantial change on the economy and cost of living.
Supporters say he has a point. They argue Brexit damaged trade, investment and confidence, while decades of privatisation and underinvestment left Britain with weak growth, poor infrastructure and squeezed public services.
Critics say Burnham is looking backwards. They argue Margaret Thatcher left office more than 35 years ago, Brexit happened a decade ago, and the new Prime Minister now needs to focus on solutions rather than blame.
There is also the question of delivery. With bills, food prices, mortgages and energy costs still putting pressure on households, can Burnham really make people feel better off?
So is Burnham right to blame Brexit and Thatcher, or should he stop pointing to the past and prove he can fix the future?
Distance lends perspective. As a one-time huge fan of Thatcher, I have the following to say…
Margaret Thatcher was the architect of many of our economic problems today. She did some things that were very good; it’s true. But it must also be said that she harmed the British economy as well, especially by selling off so many of this country’s valuable assets. As Harold Macmillan said: Thatcher sold off the family silver. This is his actual quote:
Further, Thatcher (and her buddy, Reagan, in the States) were the root cause of the huge wealth gap that we have today.
So much for Thatcherism; so much for Reaganomics! — © Mark Alexander
Supporters say he has a point. They argue Brexit damaged trade, investment and confidence, while decades of privatisation and underinvestment left Britain with weak growth, poor infrastructure and squeezed public services.
Critics say Burnham is looking backwards. They argue Margaret Thatcher left office more than 35 years ago, Brexit happened a decade ago, and the new Prime Minister now needs to focus on solutions rather than blame.
There is also the question of delivery. With bills, food prices, mortgages and energy costs still putting pressure on households, can Burnham really make people feel better off?
So is Burnham right to blame Brexit and Thatcher, or should he stop pointing to the past and prove he can fix the future?
Distance lends perspective. As a one-time huge fan of Thatcher, I have the following to say…
Margaret Thatcher was the architect of many of our economic problems today. She did some things that were very good; it’s true. But it must also be said that she harmed the British economy as well, especially by selling off so many of this country’s valuable assets. As Harold Macmillan said: Thatcher sold off the family silver. This is his actual quote:
“The sale of assets is common with individuals and states when they run into financial difficulties. …At the time, it seemed that she was working miracles with the UK economy, but those apparent miracles turned out to be short-term fixes — short-term dreams, but long-term nightmares.
First of all the Georgian silver goes, and then all that nice furniture that used to be in the saloon. Then the Canalettos go.” — Harold Macmillan, November 8, 1985
Further, Thatcher (and her buddy, Reagan, in the States) were the root cause of the huge wealth gap that we have today.
So much for Thatcherism; so much for Reaganomics! — © Mark Alexander
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Andy Burnham Offers Beds for Homeless for Christmas in National Drive to End Rough Sleeping
August 19, 2026 | Andy Burnham has declared ending rough sleeping his moral mission as he announces a national drive to give everyone on the streets an offer of a bed this winter.
The new Prime Minister said the scheme will "get everyone in for Christmas" with emergency accommodation and help rolled out in England later this year.
Downing Street said under the support - backed by £442million - areas with the greatest need will receive the largest share in order to get people out of the cold in winter.
Mr Burnham will also convene a "first of its kind" national summit in the autumn months on ending rough sleeping, officials added. They said it would bring together leaders from business, finance, health and faith communities to ask how they can all play a role.
The new Prime Minister said the scheme will "get everyone in for Christmas" with emergency accommodation and help rolled out in England later this year.
Downing Street said under the support - backed by £442million - areas with the greatest need will receive the largest share in order to get people out of the cold in winter.
Mr Burnham will also convene a "first of its kind" national summit in the autumn months on ending rough sleeping, officials added. They said it would bring together leaders from business, finance, health and faith communities to ask how they can all play a role.
Monday, August 10, 2026
Andy Burnham Has 'No Strategy, Just Vibes.' It Won’t Work Forever | Andrew Neil
Monday, July 27, 2026
Alastair Campbell on Why Andy Burnham Could Succeed Where Others Failed | Talk to Al Jazeera
July 26, 2026 | Alastair Campbell, former spokesman to UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, says Brexit left Britain weaker and less confident, triggering years of political instability and seven prime ministers in a decade.
He believes Andy Burnham has the empathy and leadership to turn the country around, but only if he can rebuild the economy, restore trust and lead the UK beyond the Brexit era. He warns that the Labour Party must win on its own agenda; not by trying to out-Reform Reform or out-Green the Greens.
He believes Andy Burnham has the empathy and leadership to turn the country around, but only if he can rebuild the economy, restore trust and lead the UK beyond the Brexit era. He warns that the Labour Party must win on its own agenda; not by trying to out-Reform Reform or out-Green the Greens.
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Rob Groves: Burnham's Brexit Reset vs the Farage Clause
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Mehdi Hasan and Shehab Khan Discuss New UK PM Andy Burnham
UK PM Andy Burnham Pledges to 'Bring Back Hope' | BBC News
July 21, 2026 | Andy Burnham pledged to "bring back hope" to Britain, as he began his tenure as prime minister by appointing Labour stalwart John Healey as chancellor.
In his first speech to the nation in Downing Street, Burnham said he wanted to bring forward the "biggest changes in the last 40 years" to British politics.
He outlined his intention to unveil a 10-year "new plan for Britain" later this year, explaining this would lay out a path to where he believes "we all want Britain to be".
A BBC news broadcast from the ‘Land of Hope and Glory’! 😊 — © Mark Alexander
In his first speech to the nation in Downing Street, Burnham said he wanted to bring forward the "biggest changes in the last 40 years" to British politics.
He outlined his intention to unveil a 10-year "new plan for Britain" later this year, explaining this would lay out a path to where he believes "we all want Britain to be".
A BBC news broadcast from the ‘Land of Hope and Glory’! 😊 — © Mark Alexander
Monday, July 20, 2026
Burnham Becomes U.K. Prime Minister and Pledges to End Homelessness
THE NEW YORK TIMES: In his first address, Andy Burnham acknowledged that he is Britain’s seventh leader in a decade and vowed to usher in a “circuit breaker moment” to change the direction of government.
Andy Burnham became the leader of Britain on Monday, capping an extraordinary demonstration of political power in which he easily won a seat in Parliament and swiftly engineered the resignation of the sitting prime minister.
In his first remarks at Downing Street, Mr. Burnham pledged to “put the care of people at the heart of everything I do” and said his move into Britain’s top job will be a “circuit breaker moment” to change the direction that government has taken over the last four decades.
“I know people at home are fed up with politics,” he told supporters. “I hear you, and I want to be honest with you. We have not been good enough, and we need to be better. We will be.”
Mr. Burnham is Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, reflecting a period of turmoil that began with the Brexit vote in 2016, when voters severed ties to Europe. Earlier on Monday, Mr. Burnham traveled to Buckingham Palace, where King Charles III formally asked him to form a government.
There were early signs on Monday that Mr. Burnham had begun forming his new cabinet. David Lammy, who was deputy prime minister under Mr. Burnham’s predecessor, Keir Starmer, announced he was leaving government. Rachel Reeves also confirmed that she was out as chancellor of the Exchequer, overseeing the nation’s finances.
In his speech, Mr. Burnham announced one new policy, saying he would end “rough sleeping,” a British term for homelessness. But there have been signals recently that he will shift some aspects of Mr. Starmer’s agenda. Live Updates » | Michael D. Shear | Reporting from London | Monday, July 20, 2026
In his first remarks at Downing Street, Mr. Burnham pledged to “put the care of people at the heart of everything I do” and said his move into Britain’s top job will be a “circuit breaker moment” to change the direction that government has taken over the last four decades.
“I know people at home are fed up with politics,” he told supporters. “I hear you, and I want to be honest with you. We have not been good enough, and we need to be better. We will be.”
Mr. Burnham is Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, reflecting a period of turmoil that began with the Brexit vote in 2016, when voters severed ties to Europe. Earlier on Monday, Mr. Burnham traveled to Buckingham Palace, where King Charles III formally asked him to form a government.
There were early signs on Monday that Mr. Burnham had begun forming his new cabinet. David Lammy, who was deputy prime minister under Mr. Burnham’s predecessor, Keir Starmer, announced he was leaving government. Rachel Reeves also confirmed that she was out as chancellor of the Exchequer, overseeing the nation’s finances.
In his speech, Mr. Burnham announced one new policy, saying he would end “rough sleeping,” a British term for homelessness. But there have been signals recently that he will shift some aspects of Mr. Starmer’s agenda. Live Updates » | Michael D. Shear | Reporting from London | Monday, July 20, 2026
Friday, July 17, 2026
Burnham Declares He Is Ready to ‘Beat Britain’s New Right’ as He Becomes Labour Leader
THE GUARDIAN: Former Greater Manchester mayor, who will take over as PM on Monday, says country ‘crying out for a new politics’
Screenshot taken from this Guardian article. | Andy Burnham after being officially confirmed as the new leader of the Labour Party. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA
Andy Burnham has declared himself ready to “beat Britain’s new right” with a fresh, united approach as he becomes the leader of the Labour party before taking over as British prime minister on Monday.
The former mayor of Greater Manchester won the overwhelming support of MPs, trade unions and party branches, making him the only choice to take over from Keir Starmer.
At a special party conference at TUC headquarters in London on Friday, Burnham was declared leader by Shabana Mahmood, the frontrunner to be his chancellor, who is also chair of the party’s ruling executive.
Addressing a room of senior Labour politicians and supporters, Burnham said the country was “crying out for a new politics”. But he also warned that it was Labour’s “last chance to change” and the party must do so together, as a united movement.
“This is a proud moment you have given me and my family, and an emotional one,” he said. “It is one for which I am ready – ready to lead and to build on the foundation laid by one person more than any other. Under Keir Starmer’s leadership we went from our worst defeat to one of the best victories in history.” » | Rowena Mason | Whitehall editor | Friday, July 17, 2026
Andy Burnham has declared himself ready to “beat Britain’s new right” with a fresh, united approach as he becomes the leader of the Labour party before taking over as British prime minister on Monday.
The former mayor of Greater Manchester won the overwhelming support of MPs, trade unions and party branches, making him the only choice to take over from Keir Starmer.
At a special party conference at TUC headquarters in London on Friday, Burnham was declared leader by Shabana Mahmood, the frontrunner to be his chancellor, who is also chair of the party’s ruling executive.
Addressing a room of senior Labour politicians and supporters, Burnham said the country was “crying out for a new politics”. But he also warned that it was Labour’s “last chance to change” and the party must do so together, as a united movement.
“This is a proud moment you have given me and my family, and an emotional one,” he said. “It is one for which I am ready – ready to lead and to build on the foundation laid by one person more than any other. Under Keir Starmer’s leadership we went from our worst defeat to one of the best victories in history.” » | Rowena Mason | Whitehall editor | Friday, July 17, 2026
Friday, July 03, 2026
Burnham Set to Ditch Palantir from NHS
THE TELEGRAPH: Left-wing critics have called for deal to be axed over US tech giant’s work with Israeli Defense Forces and US immigration
Screenshot taken from this Telegraph article. | Andy Burnham did not grant Palantir any contracts during his nine years as Greater Manchester mayor Credit: Temilade Adelaja/Reuters
Andy Burnham is set to ditch Palantir from the NHS, The Telegraph can reveal.
The prime minister-in-waiting did not grant the US tech company any contracts during his nine years as Greater Manchester mayor, and is minded to take the same approach in No 10.
Mr Burnham is reviewing the Government’s overall artificial intelligence strategy, and an aide said he believed “unfettered tech boosterism” was turning off voters.
In his first keynote speech on Monday, he said he wanted to see social value play a larger part in contracts awarded by the Government.
Mr Burnham is expected to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as soon as July 20, and will then have to decide whether to cut ties with Palantir two years into its seven-year, £330m NHS deal. » | Dominic Penna | Senior Political Correspondent | Thursday, July 2, 2026
Andy Burnham is set to ditch Palantir from the NHS, The Telegraph can reveal.
The prime minister-in-waiting did not grant the US tech company any contracts during his nine years as Greater Manchester mayor, and is minded to take the same approach in No 10.
Mr Burnham is reviewing the Government’s overall artificial intelligence strategy, and an aide said he believed “unfettered tech boosterism” was turning off voters.
In his first keynote speech on Monday, he said he wanted to see social value play a larger part in contracts awarded by the Government.
Mr Burnham is expected to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as soon as July 20, and will then have to decide whether to cut ties with Palantir two years into its seven-year, £330m NHS deal. » | Dominic Penna | Senior Political Correspondent | Thursday, July 2, 2026
Monday, June 29, 2026
Starmer Is Out: Can Burnham Bring New Hope to Britain? | Peter Oborne | MEE Opinion
Jun 24, 2026 | Peter Oborne, associate editor at Middle East Eye, argues that after years of failed policies at home and abroad, the UK needs a different kind of prime minister.
Oborne says that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attempted to emulate former Prime Minister Tony Blair by turning against the Labour left and cultivating relationships with billionaires.
He argues that Andy Burnham could succeed by embracing a different style of politics. “So long as he remembers to govern in the interests of ordinary people and not billionaires; to keep his integrity, resist blandishments and be himself, Burnham stands a chance of succeeding when so many have failed,” Oborne says.
Although I was never one of Starmer’s greatest fans, this synopsis should not be construed as necessarily reflecting my own views. These views are Peter Oborne’s and should therefore be received as such. As for Andy Burnham, I know far too little about him yet to have any strong views on him or his abilities. — © Mark Alexander
Oborne says that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attempted to emulate former Prime Minister Tony Blair by turning against the Labour left and cultivating relationships with billionaires.
He argues that Andy Burnham could succeed by embracing a different style of politics. “So long as he remembers to govern in the interests of ordinary people and not billionaires; to keep his integrity, resist blandishments and be himself, Burnham stands a chance of succeeding when so many have failed,” Oborne says.
Although I was never one of Starmer’s greatest fans, this synopsis should not be construed as necessarily reflecting my own views. These views are Peter Oborne’s and should therefore be received as such. As for Andy Burnham, I know far too little about him yet to have any strong views on him or his abilities. — © Mark Alexander
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