Prime Minister Andrew Burnham Outlines Vision for 'Politics Done Differently' in Major House of Commons Address
London — In a major address to the House of Commons since taking office, Prime Minister Andrew Burnham laid out a sweeping agenda concentrating on fiscal responsibility, public safety, international alliances, and a fundamental restructuring of Britain's economy.
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Kicking off his statement, Burnham reflected on his recent travels across the UK and his visit to Ukraine for the 35th anniversary of its independence. Re-affirming the UK's unwavering support, Burnham paid tribute to his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, the MP for Holborn and Saint Pancras, who recently stepped down.
"He has given this country a lifetime of public service", Burnham said, praising Starmer’s leadership, his commitment to justice for the Hillsborough families, and his steadfast stance on Ukraine—a policy Burnham vowed to maintain. "Britain's defence starts in Ukraine, and the defence of our nation will always be my first priority".
National Security and International Affairs
The prime minister has promised the, “biggest redistribution of power this country has seen”, outlining a sweeping legislative agenda to re-wire the British state, bring key public services under greater control, and extend devolution to every corner of England.
Delivering a major statement to a packed House of Commons, the prime minister framed his legislative vision around a, "theory of growth", forged during his decade-long tenure leading Greater Manchester. Burnham argued that Britain's highly centralised, trickle-down economic model has failed, leaving high streets in decline and public utilities in disarray.
"The government I lead will be relentless in giving people and places what they were promised ten years ago: ownership and control", Burnham told MPs. "From that control over their destiny comes change and growth".
The Devolution Offer: A 'Number 10 North'
At the heart of the government’s de-centralisation strategy is Number 10 North, a newly established unit of government in Manchester. Burnham described it as a, "single front door", designed to bypass Whitehall bureaucracy, redirect civil service resources to the regions, and hand power back to local communities.
In his speech, Burnham revealed that Number 10 North has been instructed to begin immediate work on a bespoke devolution deal for Cornwall, working alongside Cornwall Council and its six local MPs, "with or without an elected mayor".
In a move that could radically reshape local government, the Prime Minister extended the same offer to all parts of England currently lacking devolved powers. The First Secretary of State is set to write to all MPs, detailing how they can engage with Number 10 North to secure powers for their constituencies.
Furthermore, Burnham announced that the next phase of devolution would include powers long demanded by regional leaders, including control over post-16 technical education, employment support, and new fiscal levers—most notably the ability to introduce an overnight visitor levy starting in the 2027–28 financial year.
The Prime Minister also confirmed he had met with the first ministers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland over the summer, with plans to discuss local devolution models further at a special meeting of the National Economic Council next month.
Public Control of Transport and Utilities
Burnham took direct aim at the private ownership of critical infrastructure, calling Britain’s water industry a, “leaking monument”, to a failed economic model that extracts wealth rather than investing in communities.
Promising a, "10-year plan for Britain", later this year, the prime minister pledged to bring stronger public control over water, energy, and transport. He pointed to Liverpool, where Mayor Steve Rotheram is bringing buses back under public control this weekend after 40 years of deregulation, as well as recent government interventions to save bus routes in the West Midlands, as blueprints for the rest of the country.
"Taking back control of essential services like transport is an enabler of a more productive economy because it allows local areas to grab hold of the levers of power for themselves", Burnham said.
Housing, Education, and the 'Triple Helix'
Addressing the cost-of-living and welfare crises, Burnham pledged to launch the, "biggest council home building programme since the post-war period", as a direct mechanism to bring down the national welfare bill.
The prime minister also took a sharp swipe at former Conservative education secretary Michael Gove. Rejecting Gove’s past criticisms of progressive educational reforms as, "bringing back stupid", Burnham argued that the previous administration's policies had written off too many young people. He promised a restructured education system that balances academic and technical pathways, placing the design of work placements and college curriculums directly in the hands of regional mayors to align with local economies.
To spark regional business growth, Burnham announced the revival of Theresa May’s, "local industrial strategies". He championed a 'triple helix' economic model that entwines local businesses, academic institutions, and regional government to foster innovation, keep start-ups in the UK, and build a, "pro-business culture".
‘A Circuit Breaker’ for British Politics
Concluding his address, Burnham recalled his first speech outside Downing Street six weeks ago, reiterating his call for a political 'circuit breaker' to end a decade of political division and. "point scoring".
"Our job in here is to make it real by taking a place-first rather than party-first approach", Burnham urged the House. "We can make this next decade better than the last... We can put more power into every postcode. We can let Britain believe again".
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Kicking off his statement, Burnham reflected on his recent travels across the UK and his visit to Ukraine for the 35th anniversary of its independence. Re-affirming the UK's unwavering support, Burnham paid tribute to his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, the MP for Holborn and Saint Pancras, who recently stepped down.
"He has given this country a lifetime of public service", Burnham said, praising Starmer’s leadership, his commitment to justice for the Hillsborough families, and his steadfast stance on Ukraine—a policy Burnham vowed to maintain. "Britain's defence starts in Ukraine, and the defence of our nation will always be my first priority".
National Security and International Affairs
Turning to domestic safety, the Prime Minister offered profound condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, who were killed in the line of duty on the A66. Acknowledging the grief of the Middlesbrough community, Burnham promised discussions regarding police investment and staffing levels.
The prime minister also addressed the international climate crisis, expressing shock and horror at the devastating tragedies on the Nepal-China border, confirming that the foreign secretary is actively supporting British nationals and the Nepalese government. Pointing to what he described as likely the UK's hottest summer on record, Burnham confirmed he will attend the upcoming COP31 summit in Turkey in November.
On immigration, Burnham credited increased police co-operation on French beaches with driving small boat crossings down to their lowest levels since 2021. He noted that he will thank French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to the UK, a partnership that has successfully prevented over 48,000 attempted crossings.
Reforming the Justice System and Prison Places
The prime minister also addressed the international climate crisis, expressing shock and horror at the devastating tragedies on the Nepal-China border, confirming that the foreign secretary is actively supporting British nationals and the Nepalese government. Pointing to what he described as likely the UK's hottest summer on record, Burnham confirmed he will attend the upcoming COP31 summit in Turkey in November.
On immigration, Burnham credited increased police co-operation on French beaches with driving small boat crossings down to their lowest levels since 2021. He noted that he will thank French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to the UK, a partnership that has successfully prevented over 48,000 attempted crossings.
Reforming the Justice System and Prison Places
Addressing the ongoing pressure on the prison system, Burnham announced revisions to early release plans following consultations with the Lord Chancellor. While exemptions will remain in place for rape, grooming, and serious child sex offences, the government is updating its policy to further ensure that individuals convicted of manslaughter, death by dangerous driving, or indecent assault will not see reductions to their prison terms.
Crucially, Burnham announced that indefinite Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences are now officially designated as abolished policy, with the government moving to resolve the backlog of individuals still behind bars. "We can find a solution to end this injustice which balances public safety and basic fairness", he urged lawmakers.
Tackling the Cost of Living and Economic Reform
Crucially, Burnham announced that indefinite Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences are now officially designated as abolished policy, with the government moving to resolve the backlog of individuals still behind bars. "We can find a solution to end this injustice which balances public safety and basic fairness", he urged lawmakers.
Tackling the Cost of Living and Economic Reform
On the economy, Burnham delivered a stark diagnosis of Britain’s structural decline over the past four decades, blaming centralised political power, privatised economic infrastructure, de-industrialisation, austerity, and Brexit for a legacy of low growth and stalled regeneration.
Highlighting immediate relief measures enacted during his first weeks in office, the prime minister pointed to cuts in VAT on electricity bills, business rate reductions for pubs and live music venues, and the reinstatement of a £2 cap on bus fares for the entirety of 2027—all funded through internal government reprioritisation.
"Change begins with honesty", Burnham told the Commons. "Unless we are blunt about what went wrong, we won't turn things around... This is politics done differently. Problem-solving over point scoring. It is what the country needs".
Highlighting immediate relief measures enacted during his first weeks in office, the prime minister pointed to cuts in VAT on electricity bills, business rate reductions for pubs and live music venues, and the reinstatement of a £2 cap on bus fares for the entirety of 2027—all funded through internal government reprioritisation.
"Change begins with honesty", Burnham told the Commons. "Unless we are blunt about what went wrong, we won't turn things around... This is politics done differently. Problem-solving over point scoring. It is what the country needs".
Delivering a major statement to a packed House of Commons, the prime minister framed his legislative vision around a, "theory of growth", forged during his decade-long tenure leading Greater Manchester. Burnham argued that Britain's highly centralised, trickle-down economic model has failed, leaving high streets in decline and public utilities in disarray.
"The government I lead will be relentless in giving people and places what they were promised ten years ago: ownership and control", Burnham told MPs. "From that control over their destiny comes change and growth".
The Devolution Offer: A 'Number 10 North'
At the heart of the government’s de-centralisation strategy is Number 10 North, a newly established unit of government in Manchester. Burnham described it as a, "single front door", designed to bypass Whitehall bureaucracy, redirect civil service resources to the regions, and hand power back to local communities.
In his speech, Burnham revealed that Number 10 North has been instructed to begin immediate work on a bespoke devolution deal for Cornwall, working alongside Cornwall Council and its six local MPs, "with or without an elected mayor".
In a move that could radically reshape local government, the Prime Minister extended the same offer to all parts of England currently lacking devolved powers. The First Secretary of State is set to write to all MPs, detailing how they can engage with Number 10 North to secure powers for their constituencies.
Furthermore, Burnham announced that the next phase of devolution would include powers long demanded by regional leaders, including control over post-16 technical education, employment support, and new fiscal levers—most notably the ability to introduce an overnight visitor levy starting in the 2027–28 financial year.
The Prime Minister also confirmed he had met with the first ministers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland over the summer, with plans to discuss local devolution models further at a special meeting of the National Economic Council next month.
Public Control of Transport and Utilities
Burnham took direct aim at the private ownership of critical infrastructure, calling Britain’s water industry a, “leaking monument”, to a failed economic model that extracts wealth rather than investing in communities.
Promising a, "10-year plan for Britain", later this year, the prime minister pledged to bring stronger public control over water, energy, and transport. He pointed to Liverpool, where Mayor Steve Rotheram is bringing buses back under public control this weekend after 40 years of deregulation, as well as recent government interventions to save bus routes in the West Midlands, as blueprints for the rest of the country.
"Taking back control of essential services like transport is an enabler of a more productive economy because it allows local areas to grab hold of the levers of power for themselves", Burnham said.
Housing, Education, and the 'Triple Helix'
Addressing the cost-of-living and welfare crises, Burnham pledged to launch the, "biggest council home building programme since the post-war period", as a direct mechanism to bring down the national welfare bill.
The prime minister also took a sharp swipe at former Conservative education secretary Michael Gove. Rejecting Gove’s past criticisms of progressive educational reforms as, "bringing back stupid", Burnham argued that the previous administration's policies had written off too many young people. He promised a restructured education system that balances academic and technical pathways, placing the design of work placements and college curriculums directly in the hands of regional mayors to align with local economies.
To spark regional business growth, Burnham announced the revival of Theresa May’s, "local industrial strategies". He championed a 'triple helix' economic model that entwines local businesses, academic institutions, and regional government to foster innovation, keep start-ups in the UK, and build a, "pro-business culture".
‘A Circuit Breaker’ for British Politics
Concluding his address, Burnham recalled his first speech outside Downing Street six weeks ago, reiterating his call for a political 'circuit breaker' to end a decade of political division and. "point scoring".
"Our job in here is to make it real by taking a place-first rather than party-first approach", Burnham urged the House. "We can make this next decade better than the last... We can put more power into every postcode. We can let Britain believe again".
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