UK PM Burnham Faces First Commons Questions, Vows to 'Bring Back Hope'

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham faced his first session of Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons since succeeding predecessor Keir Starmer in July. During Wednesday's session, Burnham insisted Britain remained fully committed to its military obligations despite rising domestic economic challenges.

“We will fully fund the Defence Investment Plan, and in the spending review we will set out a roadmap to meet our NATO commitment by 2035,” Burnham told lawmakers, emphasizing “there is no problem with our commitment to defense.”

The new premier faced sharp criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch from the opposition benches, who questioned how the government would fund sweeping pledges amid rising UK public sector debt. In response, Burnham argued that current market instability stems from the previous Conservative government’s economic record. He told MPs his administration is working to balance strict fiscal discipline with emergency relief for families saddled with the cost-of-living crisis.

Turning to international security, Burnham referenced the recent drone attack on Leipzig/Halle airport, which Germany attributes to Russia. He urged MPs across all parties to show total solidarity with Germany and Ukraine as regional geopolitical tensions escalate.

Empowering Regions

The questioning session occurred a day after Burnham’s first formal appearance in the Commons since becoming prime minister six weeks earlier. His rise followed a string of local election defeats under Starmer, who was ousted as Labour leader two years after his landslide 2024 general election victory.

Burnham, one of the country’s most prominent local politicians—dubbed “King of the North” during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester—struck an optimistic tone: “We can improve prospects for all people and all communities across the country. We can give more power to each constituency. We can make Britain believe again and bring back hope.”

He also pledged stronger “public control” over such essential services as energy and water.

A 10-Year Vision

Burnham said his government’s long-term agenda would be laid out in a 10-year plan for Britain, expected before the end of the year. That roadmap will “set out plans to increase public control over essential services, making them work for people and communities once again,” as basic service costs are dragging down economic growth, he said. “Household energy bills remain the highest in Europe, and energy costs are affecting business activity and foreign investment.”

In one of his first moves after arriving at Downing Street, the Burnham government announced tax cuts on household electricity bills, effective from next month, alongside measures to ease tax burdens on pubs and hospitality venues.

“On the biggest issues facing the country, such as the economy and the cost-of-living crisis, the public expects to see meaningful change,” Burnham stressed. “Britain is not in the place any of us would want. Things are not going according to plan. Life is too expensive and too difficult for many.”

“That is why this government has taken initial steps to give business and ordinary people some breathing room,” he added.