Prime Minister Burnham Blames Brexit for UK Economic Woes, Seeks Closer EU Ties
Center-RightRigor 4616 sources
The Story
Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Wednesday reiterated his stance that Brexit is responsible for a decade of low growth in Britain. He vowed to use an upcoming summit with European Union leaders to continue efforts to bring the UK closer to the EU, building on work initiated by his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer. Burnham told Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey that a closer relationship is imperative for British steel and farming. In his first appearance in the House of Commons since becoming Prime Minister on Tuesday, Burnham stated that "Britain is not where any of us would wish it to be" due to a series of wrong turns since the 1980s, including hollowing out councils, austerity measures, and Brexit. He promised substantial change and to restore hope, with the government's budget to be unveiled at the end of October. Burnham is preparing to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in London, and Britain will hold fresh talks with Mauritius next week to advance Sir Keir Starmer’s Chagos Islands deal. Foreign Office minister Uma Kumaran confirmed plans to revive the Chagos deal and fund it from the defense budget. Pollsters have warned that the "Burnham bounce" in popularity has lost its spring, with pollster John Curtice stating it ended after two weeks. Burnham faces a gathering economic storm, including rising government borrowing costs and the prospect of another interest rate increase. He did not pledge renationalizing utilities but expressed a desire for stronger public control over these essentials.
The Spread
Right
What they agree on
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham has publicly blamed Brexit for a "decade of low growth" in Britain.
- Burnham has expressed a desire for a closer relationship with the European Union.
- In his first address to Parliament, Burnham promised "substantial change" and criticized past policies since the 1980s.
- The government's budget, which will outline its policy direction, is scheduled for release at the end of October.
- Pollsters have indicated that the initial "Burnham bounce" in popularity has concluded.
Where they split
- The Daily Mail and The Sun focus on Burnham's specific actions and upcoming meetings, such as his plan to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and push ahead with the Chagos Islands deal.
- The Critic and The Spectator emphasize the political context of Sir Keir Starmer's resignation and its timing relative to Burnham's first PMQs, framing it as a "headache" for the new Prime Minister.
- GB News highlights the "pressure" on Burnham for "repeatedly dodg[ing] £14bn question," while Le Monde (English) focuses on his promise to end decline and reverse privatization.
- The Canary reports on pollsters warning that the "Burnham bounce" has lost its spring, providing specific details from pollster John Curtice.
Source Perspectives
Left3 sources
Center5 sources