Following his first speech at the Labour Party conference as PM yesterday, Andy Burnham was interviewed by BBC Radio 4’s Today programme to discuss his announcements in more detail.
Brexit: Burnham says Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union has caused “more harm than good”, and we need to consider different options for the UK’s future relationship with Europe. He said he’d like to rejoin “in my lifetime”.
Energy crisis: It isn’t an “overstatement” to say the UK faces another energy crisis this winter, the PM said. He is “doing what he can” by reducing VAT on bills, but concedes “not going to meet all of those pressures”.
Electoral reform: Burnham defended his pledge to change the voting system, saying a national commission will be set up to explore reforms alongside other political parties. The PM says the Supplementary Vote system he was elected under in Manchester “led to better politics” as it forced politicians to reach out to voters who may not have backed their party.
Triple lock: The PM’s proposed changes to the triple lock from 2030 are designed to fund the new national social care system. Pressed on whether it is hitting pensioners rather than the wealthiest, Burnham defends his policy, saying the changes would support pensioners “at risk of paying ruinous care costs”.
Long-term policy changes: Defending criticism that his policies are too far away from being implemented, Burnham said, “I don’t think Britain can be fixed in the short term”, as he argued the UK had been “on the wrong path for a long time”.