Andy Burnham Sworn In As UK Prime Minister, Promises Immediate Cost-of-Living Relief
Andy Burnham Sworn In As UK Prime Minister, Promises Immediate Cost-of-Living Relief
Burnham said his government would focus on restoring stability and rebuilding public confidence after years of economic challenges.
Andy Burnham officially became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on Monday, succeeding Keir Starmer.
He assumed office following a formal handover that culminated in a visit to Buckingham Palace, where Starmer tendered his resignation to King Charles III. The King subsequently invited Burnham to form a government.
In his first speech as Britain’s new prime minister, delivered outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham pledged to introduce measures this week aimed at easing the country’s cost-of-living crisis. He also announced plans to unveil a 10-year national development strategy later this year.
Burnham said his government would focus on restoring stability and rebuilding public confidence after years of economic challenges.
“Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again,” he said. “We have not been good enough, and we need to be better.”
The prime minister said his administration would begin rolling out measures from Tuesday to provide immediate relief to households struggling with rising living costs, adding that the government would also explain how the initiatives would be financed.
“Later this year, I will bring forward a new plan for Britain, a 10-year plan, laying out a path from where we are now to where I believe we all want Britain to be, wherever we’re coming from, whatever party we support,” Burnham said.
“But I can do something to give people some breathing space now, some help with the cost of living. And I will set out some of those measures starting tomorrow, including how we pay for them.”
As part of his long-term agenda, Burnham pledged to reform the education system to help more young people secure employment, expand access to mental health support, and increase the construction of council homes.
“We will help more young people into work by changing the education system and giving them more support, more mental health support. And we will build more council homes,” he said.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he will set out cost of living measures tomorrow.
He adds that later this year he will set out a ‘new 10-year plan for Britain.’
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According to Burnham, the proposed reforms would reduce welfare spending in a sustainable manner while ensuring Britain meets its fiscal targets and fulfils its defence obligations to international allies.
“That is the fair and sustainable way to bring the welfare bill down, to meet our fiscal rules and to honour our commitments on defence to our international partners,” he added.
