Key facts
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham presented his economic vision in his first House of Commons address.
- Burnham's plan centers on a "triple helix approach" involving universities, businesses, and government for economic growth.
- He advocated for public ownership of essential services like transport and water.
- Burnham deflected questions about potential tax increases, highlighting previous tax cuts on energy bills and for pubs/music venues.
- Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Burnham's economic approach as being rooted in the past.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivered his first address to the House of Commons, outlining his economic strategy which he termed a "triple helix approach." This model emphasizes collaboration between universities, businesses, and the central government to foster economic growth, with a particular focus on devolution and public control over essential services. Burnham argued that a "failed economic model" had led to stagnation for decades and that strong central government authority, in partnership with His Majesty's Treasury, is crucial. He deflected questions regarding potential tax increases, pointing to prior reductions in business rates for pubs and music venues, and the removal of VAT from household energy bills. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Burnham's vision as backward-looking, comparing it to the 1970s. Burnham also referenced his experience as former Manchester mayor to support his push for public control over services like transport and water, which he believes should serve the public interest over private profit. The address also touched upon support for Ukraine and military spending.