Andy Burnham becomes UK PM, says Britain needs to 'regain stability'

Andy Burnham was appointed as Britain’s new prime minister on Monday after King Charles III accepted Keir Starmer’s resignation, Buckingham Palace said, ushering in a fresh leadership change for a government facing economic pressure, political unrest and questions over its direction.

In his first remarks outside Downing Street, Burnham said Britain needed to “regain our stability once again” and promised early steps to ease the cost of living. He also said the government would soon outline a longer-term plan for the country, including a 10-year programme later this year.

BBC reported that supporters gathered outside Downing Street applauded as Burnham arrived to address the public. In his speech, he said the government would act this week on measures aimed at reducing financial strain on households and would explain how those steps would be funded.

“We have not been good enough, and we need to be better,” Burnham said, according to the feed summary. He said his administration would seek to give people “some breathing space now” while also setting out plans to help more young people into work, improve mental health support, and build more council homes.

Burnham said those moves would help reduce the welfare bill in a way that is “fair and sustainable”, while also meeting fiscal rules and maintaining Britain’s defence commitments to international partners.

He takes office after Starmer, who led Labour to a landslide election victory just two years ago after 14 years of Conservative rule, stepped down following a turbulent period in government. Starmer left Downing Street on Monday morning, saying in a farewell appearance that he believed Britain was “stronger and fairer” than when he entered office.

Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester and a veteran Labour figure, now faces a difficult in-tray that includes weak economic growth, high borrowing costs, a rising welfare bill and pressure over irregular migration. His leadership is also expected to be tested by volatile global conditions, including tensions involving the United States and Iran and uncertainty around energy prices.

The new prime minister said his first calls would include US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and he stressed that Britain’s support for Ukraine would not change under his leadership. He said Zelensky would be left in “no doubt whatsoever” that Britain’s backing remained steadfast.

Finance minister Rachel Reeves also left the government following Burnham’s appointment. In a post on X, she said she wished her successor and the cabinet well and would continue supporting the Labour government.

Reactions came quickly from international leaders. President Asif Ali Zardari said he hoped Pakistan and the UK would deepen their longstanding partnership under Burnham. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated Burnham and said he looked forward to working with him on strengthening bilateral ties, trade and investment. European leaders and Zelensky likewise sent messages of support.

Burnham’s rise marks Britain’s seventh prime minister in 10 years, a measure of the political volatility that has defined recent years. He has promised a different approach to public spending and economic management, saying he wants to focus on early investment and early intervention rather than “paying for failure”.

This article is based on a monitored public feed. Source attribution: Dawn World. Source: Dawn World - https://www.dawn.com/news/2017007/andy-burnham-becomes-uk-pm-says-britain-needs-to-regain-stability