Andy Burnham Says Brexit Did More Harm Than Good in First Major Speech as Prime Minister

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that Brexit has done more harm than good, making the remarks during a fiery address at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool on Tuesday. Taking over the role from Sir Keir Starmer in July, Burnham delivered his first major speech as prime minister with a heavy focus on domestic policy and left-wing initiatives, while outlining plans to reset the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union.

A New Approach to Future European Union Relations

Burnham promised to use an upcoming summit between the United Kingdom and the European Union to table several options for the future relationship. Marking just over a decade since the country voted to leave the bloc, the prime minister stopped short of saying the United Kingdom should rejoin, though he did not rule out the possibility.

“I cannot say to you truthfully that where we are is good enough. Brexit has done more harm than good,” Burnham said, noting that the European Union remains the country’s largest trading partner.

Commitment to Keeping the Kingdom Together

The prime minister grew emotional when addressing the prospect of individual UK nations seeking independence, sharing that his opposition to the idea was shaped by his late father, who died earlier this month. The address arrived shortly after the first ministers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland signed a memorandum demanding paths to independence and reunification with the Republic of Ireland.

“I’m going to use this job to build the kind of Britain my dad wanted to see and fight with everything I’ve got to keep it together,” Burnham said as his voice cracked during the address.

Establishing a National Care Service and Cost-of-Living Relief

Burnham’s signature policy announcement introduced a National Care Service designed to assist vulnerable people in their homes and relieve pressure on the National Health Service. He described the initiative as a landmark policy as significant as the creation of the NHS itself, noting that the proposal will face voters at the next general election in 2029 despite anticipated political costs.

The speech also re-announced several measures targeting soaring living costs, including capping bus fares at £2, reducing taxes on electricity bills, and plans to renationalize essential public services. Additional housing reforms featured policies allowing first-time homebuyers to secure properties with 2.5 per cent deposits in certain circumstances, alongside changes to the country’s leasehold system.

Global Artificial Intelligence Regulation and Foreign Policy Priorities

Outlining international priorities, Burnham stated that the United Kingdom will use its 2027 G20 presidency to develop a new global code to regulate artificial intelligence, balancing technological benefits with clear-eyed risk management. Foreign policy occupied less than a minute of the hour-long address.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband later told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that international audiences should not read anything into the brevity of the foreign policy remarks. Miliband stated that the values highlighted by Burnham during the conference would guide the nation’s broader diplomatic approach, which includes support for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine and steadfast backing for Ukraine.