Andy Burnham delivered a speech at Downing Street shortly after his confirmation as the UK’s new prime minister, addressing support for Ukraine, eradicating rough sleeping, and economic stabilization.
Upon his inaugural address outside Downing Street, new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham committed to providing political steadiness following years marked by turmoil, while also vowing to sustain Ukraine’s support and confront the cost-of-living crisis impacting families nationwide.
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Burnham, who succeeded Keir Starmer to become Britain’s seventh prime minister in ten years, emphasized his government’s mission to rebuild trust in politics by delivering “hope” and “national renewal.”
He committed to a decade-long strategy aimed at the country’s reconstruction, asserting that Britain requires a «circuit-breaker» to reverse extended trends of economic and political decline.
“Britain must demonstrate to the world its ability to regain stability,” Burnham declared shortly after King Charles III formally appointed him as Starmer’s successor.
He promised that upon assuming office, his «first directive will be to eradicate rough sleeping across the nation.»
Unlike past Labour leadership races, Burnham assumed office without undergoing televised debates or party hustings, as he ran without opposition.
This approach attracted criticism from rivals who argued that he evaded rigorous examination of his domestic policy plans and lacked clarity on financing many of his initiatives.
On his first day as prime minister, Burnham moved to counter these critiques by unveiling a £340 million (€400 million) initiative aimed at ending rough sleeping «at the earliest opportunity,» supported by a comprehensive cross-government plan focused on prevention, emergency shelter, and sustainable housing solutions.
Complete backing for Ukraine
Regarding foreign affairs, Burnham sought to reassure international partners that the change in leadership at Number 10 will not reverse Starmer’s policies. He emphasized the UK’s unwavering and firm support for Kyiv in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Later today, I will explicitly convey to President Zelensky that our support remains unchanged. I stand with him 100 percent,” Burnham stated, adding he anticipates an early conversation with US President Donald Trump.
French President Emmanuel Macron extended congratulations to Burnham, expressing hope that the new leadership will bolster relations between the UK and the European Union.
“Confronted with common challenges, I hope we will deepen our collaboration for our peoples’ benefit and inject new momentum into UK-EU partnership,” Macron wrote on X.
This message arrives after a suspension in UK-EU discussions on enhanced cooperation and the cancellation of a summit following Burnham’s predecessor’s resignation, with talks expected to resume once the new administration is seated.
Starmer departs with ‘good grace’
On Monday morning, Starmer left Downing Street, asserting in his farewell speech that his two-year tenure had improved the UK.
Despite a series of policy reversals, multiple ministerial resignations, unresolved concerns over illegal immigration, and a scandal involving UK ambassador Peter Mandelson’s connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein culminating in his resignation, Starmer stated, “I depart with good grace, a smile, and pride in our achievements.”
The monarch received Starmer’s resignation before Burnham arrived for the formal appointment, during which King Charles III invited him to form the next government, and Burnham accepted.
The 56-year-old former Manchester mayor is the sixth prime minister to assume office at Downing Street over the past decade.
He is expected to announce his cabinet appointments in the coming hours and days, with particular attention on the chancellor’s role. Rachel Reeves holds the current post, but many anticipate she will be among the first to be replaced despite her loyalty to Starmer.
Additional sources • AFP