COLOMBO (News 1st); Newly appointed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to deliver sweeping political and economic reforms, promising to restore stability, tackle the cost-of-living crisis, and rebuild public faith in government after formally accepting King Charles III’s invitation to form a government.
Addressing supporters outside 10 Downing Street after returning from Buckingham Palace, Burnham described his appointment as a moment of reflection and renewal for Britain.
He noted the unprecedented political instability that has seen multiple prime ministers take office in recent years, saying the country now faces an urgent challenge to regain stability and make politics work more effectively for ordinary people.
Burnham acknowledged widespread public frustration with politics, admitting that political leaders had not been good enough and must do better. He promised that his administration would act as a “circuit breaker” for Britain, bringing forward what he described as the biggest changes to the country in the last 40 years through a new political and economic model.
The Prime Minister argued that Britain had taken several wrong turns during the 1980s, including the centralization of political power, the privatization of economic power, and the deindustrialization of large parts of the country. He said many communities still feel left behind and continue to struggle with economic decline.
To address those concerns, Burnham pledged to transform the way government operates by making politics more collaborative and focused on solving problems rather than political point-scoring.
On the economic front, Burnham outlined plans to place essential services under stronger public control to make them more affordable for citizens. He also committed to reindustrializing Britain by using public procurement policies to support domestic industries and stimulate national economic growth.
The Prime Minister announced that later this year he will unveil a comprehensive 10-year national plan designed to map Britain's path toward long-term prosperity and renewal. He said the strategy would aim to unite people across political divides and provide a shared vision for the country’s future.
Burnham also promised immediate action to help families struggling with rising living costs. He said details of a series of relief measures would be announced starting the following day, alongside explanations of how the initiatives would be funded.
Employment and education reform were highlighted as key priorities of the new administration. Burnham pledged to help more young people enter the workforce by reforming the education system and expanding support services, including additional mental health assistance.
Housing was another central pillar of his agenda, with the Prime Minister promising a significant expansion of council housing. He argued that increasing affordable housing is the fairest and most sustainable way to reduce welfare costs while maintaining fiscal discipline and meeting Britain's defence commitments to international partners.
Burnham also outlined plans to build what he described as a more preventative state, focused on investing in people's success rather than managing the consequences of failure. He said government policy would prioritize helping citizens live healthier, more secure, and more prosperous lives.
In one of the most striking moments of his speech, Burnham revealed that his first instruction as Prime Minister would be to begin efforts to end rough sleeping across the country, drawing strong applause from supporters gathered outside Downing Street.
Burnham pledged to place care, integrity, and public service at the heart of his government. Calling for national unity and a renewed sense of common purpose, he urged Britons to work together to rebuild hope and confidence in the country's future.
“Let us make this the moment when Britain starts to believe again,” Burnham said. “The moment we bring back hope.”
