Showing posts with label Andy Burnham. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Andy Burnham. Show all posts
October 14, 2026
Do We Need to Talk About Brexit?
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
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
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.
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
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.
August 10, 2026
Andy Burnham Has 'No Strategy, Just Vibes.' It Won’t Work Forever | Andrew Neil
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.
July 25, 2026
Rob Groves: Burnham's Brexit Reset vs the Farage Clause
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
July 02, 2026
Andy Burnham Outlines His Vision for UK Economy with Promise to Raise Living Standards • FRANCE 24
June 22, 2026
Why Does Britain Keep Changing Prime Ministers? | Global News Podcast
June 22, 2026 | British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned, ending months of speculation about his future.
His Labour party had a landslide election victory in 2024.
He'd been under growing pressure to step aside since his main leadership rival Andy Burnham secured a seat in parliament.
Britain is now on the verge of getting its seventh prime minister in a decade.
Our UK political correspondent Rob Watson tells us why things went wrong for Keir Starmer so quickly.
The root cause of all this political instability is that damn Brexit! Fie on Farage! I'm not at all sure that Andy Burnham will do much better than Starmer, either. Marginally, perhaps. But until we get back into the European Union, this instability is likely to be the order of the day. — © Mark Alexander
His Labour party had a landslide election victory in 2024.
He'd been under growing pressure to step aside since his main leadership rival Andy Burnham secured a seat in parliament.
Britain is now on the verge of getting its seventh prime minister in a decade.
Our UK political correspondent Rob Watson tells us why things went wrong for Keir Starmer so quickly.
The root cause of all this political instability is that damn Brexit! Fie on Farage! I'm not at all sure that Andy Burnham will do much better than Starmer, either. Marginally, perhaps. But until we get back into the European Union, this instability is likely to be the order of the day. — © Mark Alexander
June 19, 2026
Michael Lambert: Britain's 7th Prime Minister In 10 Years — Can Burnham Succeed Where All Others Failed?
Jun 19, 2026 | Britain is about to get its 7th Prime Minister in just ten years. Cameron ran away. May triggered Article 50 too early and locked us out of the Single Market. Johnson's charm couldn't hide the lies. Truss crashed the economy in 49 days. Sunak did his best on a sinking ship. And Starmer — a ditherer, lacking charisma, with lamentable judgement from day one. Now Andy Burnham waits in the wings — and the question is whether he will be any different.
In this video I look at why every Prime Minister since 2015 has failed the British people, what they all had in common, and why the answer, as it always has been, comes back to Brexit.
Burnham has charm, real experience and the communication skills his predecessor so sorely lacked. But his success depends on two things: a credible plan to grow the economy through investment and productivity — and, most importantly of all, the courage to declare that Britain will begin the process of rejoining the European Union. If he fails to do that, he will join a very long and undistinguished queue.
With a new Prime Minister change, the UK faces its seventh leader in ten years. I analyze if this transition can actually improve government effectiveness.
This video examines the rapid turnover in political leadership that has defined the last decade of British politics. We trace the timeline back to the referendum held nearly ten years ago to understand why the country has cycled through so many heads of state in such a short window. It is essential context for anyone trying to make sense of the current political climate.
Beyond just the numbers, I provide my perspective on whether this latest Prime Minister change offers a genuine path toward stability. We break down the challenges facing the new administration and evaluate the potential for different outcomes compared to previous leaders.
By the end of this analysis, you will have a clearer view of the structural issues impacting political leadership and what effectiveness might actually look like in this new term.
A fine assessment of the situation which no sensible person could argue with. Like Michael Lambert, I am very keen for Brexit to be reversed at the very earliest convenience. Brexit has been a very big negative influence on this country's economy, and it has robbed us Britons of many European rights.as well. It has brought us no discernible benefits.
How just a few troublemakers can turn the fortunes of a nation around. The gift of the gab in the wrong person with the wrong ideas can be fatal! — © Mark Alexander
In this video I look at why every Prime Minister since 2015 has failed the British people, what they all had in common, and why the answer, as it always has been, comes back to Brexit.
Burnham has charm, real experience and the communication skills his predecessor so sorely lacked. But his success depends on two things: a credible plan to grow the economy through investment and productivity — and, most importantly of all, the courage to declare that Britain will begin the process of rejoining the European Union. If he fails to do that, he will join a very long and undistinguished queue.
With a new Prime Minister change, the UK faces its seventh leader in ten years. I analyze if this transition can actually improve government effectiveness.
This video examines the rapid turnover in political leadership that has defined the last decade of British politics. We trace the timeline back to the referendum held nearly ten years ago to understand why the country has cycled through so many heads of state in such a short window. It is essential context for anyone trying to make sense of the current political climate.
Beyond just the numbers, I provide my perspective on whether this latest Prime Minister change offers a genuine path toward stability. We break down the challenges facing the new administration and evaluate the potential for different outcomes compared to previous leaders.
By the end of this analysis, you will have a clearer view of the structural issues impacting political leadership and what effectiveness might actually look like in this new term.
A fine assessment of the situation which no sensible person could argue with. Like Michael Lambert, I am very keen for Brexit to be reversed at the very earliest convenience. Brexit has been a very big negative influence on this country's economy, and it has robbed us Britons of many European rights.as well. It has brought us no discernible benefits.
How just a few troublemakers can turn the fortunes of a nation around. The gift of the gab in the wrong person with the wrong ideas can be fatal! — © Mark Alexander
Starmer Facing Pressure from Ministers and Labour Grandees to Prepare for ‘Orderly Exit’
THE GUARDIAN: Prime minister said to be calling cabinet members but faces growing consensus that his time in Downing Street is over
Cabinet ministers and Labour grandees are to urge Keir Starmer not to fight a leadership challenge and to prepare for an “orderly exit,” the Guardian understands.
Andy Burnham, who won a compelling majority in the Makerfield byelection overnight, is expected to travel to London on Monday to meet MPs in the expectation of becoming prime minister within weeks.
One MP said they believed there were about 200 Labour MPs prepared – if necessary – to sign Burnham’s nomination papers for a challenge.
Starmer was said to be calling members of the cabinet on Friday afternoon to set out his determination to fight on. At least two, Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood, have previously suggested to the prime minister that he should set out a timetable for his departure. » | Jessica Elgot and Rowena Mason | Friday, June 19, 2026
Cabinet ministers and Labour grandees are to urge Keir Starmer not to fight a leadership challenge and to prepare for an “orderly exit,” the Guardian understands.
Andy Burnham, who won a compelling majority in the Makerfield byelection overnight, is expected to travel to London on Monday to meet MPs in the expectation of becoming prime minister within weeks.
One MP said they believed there were about 200 Labour MPs prepared – if necessary – to sign Burnham’s nomination papers for a challenge.
Starmer was said to be calling members of the cabinet on Friday afternoon to set out his determination to fight on. At least two, Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood, have previously suggested to the prime minister that he should set out a timetable for his departure. » | Jessica Elgot and Rowena Mason | Friday, June 19, 2026
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