Burnham sets out public services agenda and EU options
At his first Labour conference as prime minister, Andy Burnham proposed free social care, greater public control of essential services and a search for consensus on future EU ties.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham used his first Labour Party conference speech as leader to outline a long-term programme for public services and political reform. He said his government would seek consensus on Britain’s future relationship with the European Union.
Burnham proposed a National Care Service offering free care at the point of use for people who need help because of illness or disability. He said it would be introduced only after the next general election, expected in 2029, and that he would campaign on changing how pensions rise to help fund the plan.
He also pledged greater public control over essential services, including a bill to repeal the ban on public ownership of water companies. A new government body would invest in the electricity grid, which Burnham said could help bring high energy costs down.
On Europe, Burnham said he would put forward different options around a planned summit later this year. He described Britain’s departure from the EU as having done “more harm than good”.
The speech also included proposals for electoral reform and more powers for local leaders. Several pledges remain ambitions: the care service’s scope and funding have not been set out, and Burnham gave no details of the pension or electoral changes.
The agenda comes amid weak economic growth, high borrowing costs and pressure to increase defence spending. A YouGov poll cited by France 24 put Reform UK on 25 per cent of voting intentions and Labour on 24 per cent.
