Prime Minister Andy Burnham promised a new 'long-term' relationship with the EU in an emotional Labour conference speech, while confirming the end of the pensions triple lock to fund a national care service and pledging electoral reform.
Key facts
- Burnham promised a new 'long-term' relationship with the EU.
- He confirmed plans to end the pensions triple lock to fund a national care service.
- He pledged to put electoral reform in Labour's manifesto.
- Burnham spoke through tears while reflecting on the recent death of his father.
- He said his agenda would 'allow us to rise again'.
Andy Burnham has promised a new ‘long-term’ relationship with the EU in an emotional Labour conference speech, according to the Guardian. In the deeply personal address, he also confirmed the end of the pensions triple lock and set out an agenda he framed as taking political risks to make fundamental change.
The Guardian reported that Burnham spoke through tears as he reflected on the death of his father just weeks ago. He used the experiences of his grandparents buying their own home, the cruelty of the care system and the pride of his family to illustrate his case for change.
Burnham confirmed a plan to end the pensions triple lock in order to pay for a national care service, the Guardian said. He also pledged to put electoral reform in Labour’s manifesto, signalling a broad and radical policy programme.
The prime minister said his plan would ‘allow us to rise again’, according to the Guardian. In doing so, he began building his next general election manifesto around social care, electoral reform and Europe.
The Guardian described the speech as a gamble that the public will back radical progressive policies, with Burnham telling voters his agenda would break the mould of the last 40 years. He acknowledged that he may end up paying the price for creating sharp new dividing lines in politics.
Analysis published by the Guardian noted that the prime minister’s promises will take time to come good, underscoring the long-term nature of the agenda he set out at the conference.
Why it matters
Burnham's speech signals a shift toward closer UK-EU ties and major policy changes on pensions and social care that could reshape the political landscape. By staking his future on these radical proposals, he is drawing clear dividing lines ahead of the next general election.
Frequently asked questions
What did Burnham say about the EU?
According to the Guardian, Burnham promised to seek a new 'long-term' relationship with the EU during his Labour conference speech.
How will the national care service be funded?
The Guardian reported that Burnham confirmed a plan to end the pensions triple lock in order to pay for a national care service.
What else did Burnham pledge at the conference?
He pledged to put electoral reform in Labour's manifesto and set out an agenda focused on social care, electoral reform and Europe, the Guardian said.