Andy Burnham outlines his vision for Britain after Makerfield win: Here are 4 key takeaways from his rally
After a thumping victory in the Makerfield by-election, Andy Burnham has set out his vision for both the Labour Party […]
After a thumping victory in the Makerfield by-election, Andy Burnham has set out his vision for both the Labour Party and the country during his by-election victory rally.
Burnham has made no secret of his desire to challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership and today he set out his priorities for the country. Here are four key takeaways from Burnham’s speech:
1.’The Labour party must change’
Burnham told journalists and party activists gathered at the rally that he did ‘talk about the need to change Labour in this campaign and we’ve got to now take this moment to answer the challenges that have been laid down’.
He has championed bold and radical measures such as public control of energy and water as well as electoral reform and greater devolution.
2. An end to ‘trickle-down economics’
Burnham called for an economy that works for everyone and not just a few ‘in far off places’. He also called for bringing down water and energy bills and rail fares to make life more affordable for people, and highlighted his work in Manchester in capping bus fares.
“We do need an end to trickle-down economics, which didn’t trickle down very much at all to places like this, we want to see a new drive of re-industrialisation across the North of England and indeed in the rest of the country and indeed big change in Whitehall if that is to happen.”
3. Public procurement to use British business
Burnham said public procurement should be used for the benefit of British business and British industry so that ‘we can re-industrialise’.
He also said that procurement should be used to get more work placements for people and a guarantee of a work placement for every 16-18 year old who wants one.
4.End the ‘unfair’ immigration system
The Labour leadership hopeful also spoke about the unfairness of the current immigration system, criticising how the Home Office has turned areas like this into ‘HMO Britain’.
He has also supported Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s recent immigration crackdown. Sources close to Burnham say that he wants to “reframe” Mahmood’s changes while supporting attempts to limit legal and illegal migration.
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