Andy Burnham’s first speech as UK Prime Minister: Here are the key promises and major announcements | Today’s news

New British Prime Minister Andy Burnham used his first speech outside 10 Downing Street to promise a sharp departure from recent British politics, pledging to tackle the cost of living crisis, end rough sleeping and present a long-term plan to restore stability after years of political turmoil.

Shortly after King Charles III. formally asked to form a government following Keir Starmer’s resignation, Burnham acknowledged widespread public frustration with politics and vowed to deliver what he described as a “disruptive” moment for Britain.

Here are the key announcements and promises from Burnham’s first speech as Prime Minister.

“People have had enough of politics”

Burnham began his speech by admitting that Britain’s political class had failed to provide stability or improve living standards.

“I know people at home are fed up with politics. I hear you,” he said.

“We weren’t good enough and we have to be better.

He said Britain had endured too much political upheaval in recent years and pledged to restore confidence in government.

A “circuit breaker” for Britain

Burnham described his leadership as an opportunity to reset British politics and the economy.

“We will make this moment a circuit breaker for Britain and deliver the biggest change for 40 years.”

He promised both a “new political model” and a “new economic model”, saying the country needed a new direction after years of instability.

Ten Year Plan for Britain

One of Burnham’s main promises was to present a comprehensive 10-year plan for Britain later this year.

He said the strategy sets out a long-term plan for the country’s economic and social future.

“Later this year I will be putting forward a new plan for Britain, a 10-year plan that will set out a roadmap from where we are now to where I believe we all want Britain to be.”

Burnham said the plan would aim to unite people regardless of political affiliation.

Cost of living measures will come this week

Acknowledging the immediate financial pressures facing households, Burnham said his government would quickly announce measures to help families.

“I’m going to give people some breathing room now.

He said new proposals to tackle the cost of living would be unveiled this week, along with details of how they would be funded.

The end of sound sleep

Burnham made homelessness one of his first priorities in office.

He said his first instructions after entering Downing Street would be to start working to end rough sleeping across England.

“Soon I will walk through that door behind me and issue my first directive: end rough sleeping in our country.”

The former mayor of Greater Manchester has previously made tackling homelessness a central part of his political agenda.

Construction of additional public housing

Burnham also pledged to increase the construction of council and public housing.

He argued that building more affordable homes would reduce welfare spending while improving living standards.

Reducing social costs through better housing would also help create room for higher defense spending while staying within the government’s fiscal rules, according to Burnham.

Education and employment reform

The new prime minister said his government would aim to help more young people enter the workforce by reforming education and expanding mental health support.

He said Britain should invest more in helping people succeed rather than paying for the consequences of long-term social problems.

“We will help people live well, build a more preventive state, invest in people’s success rather than pay for people’s failure.”

The Reindustrialization of Britain

Burnham also outlined plans to rebuild Britain’s industrial base.

He said the government would use public procurement policies to support domestic industries and stimulate economic growth while creating jobs across the country.

Restoration of political stability

Burnham has repeatedly stressed that Britain must regain stability after years of political uncertainty.

“Britain must show the world that we can regain our stability.”

Noting that he had become Britain’s seventh prime minister since 2016, he said the revolving door of leadership had undermined public confidence.

A promise to “bring back hope”

At the end of his speech, Burnham promised to restore optimism and confidence in government.

He said his administration would focus on practical problem-solving rather than political division and deliver what he called Britain’s biggest transformation in four decades.

“We have to be better. We will.”