Andy Burnham Unveils Sweeping Reforms and Rethinks Brexit

Prime Minister Andy Burnham outlined an ambitious national agenda during his keynote speech at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, signaling a fundamental shift in the role of the British state. Central to his vision is a reassessment of Brexit, which he declared has "done more harm than good." Burnham announced he will present options for closer economic integration, potentially including rejoining the single market or customs union, at a November summit with the European Union.

On the domestic front, Burnham proposed a National Care Service focused on people rather than profit. To fund this, he suggested replacing the state pension triple lock with a double-lock system by 2030, acknowledging he may pay a "political price" for the move. His housing strategy includes a crackdown on rogue landlords, allowing councils to seize poor-quality rental properties, and launching the largest council house-building program since the post-war era by scrapping the right to buy for new homes.

Further reforms include the creation of a National Commission for Electoral Reform to move toward proportional representation and the reversal of privatization for water companies and the national electricity grid. While regional mayors welcomed the devolution of power, local councillors expressed frustration over the government's decision to pause local government reorganization. Some Labour MPs urged the removal of manifesto red lines on Europe, while others warned that reopening the membership debate could lead to political paralysis.