'Circuit Breaker Moment For Britain': Andy Burnham Promises Sweeping Reforms In First PM Speech | Watch
'Circuit Breaker Moment For Britain': Andy Burnham Promises Sweeping Reforms In First PM Speech | Watch Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 18:37 IST
'Circuit Breaker Moment For Britain': Andy Burnham Promises Sweeping Reforms In First PM Speech | Watch Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 18:37 IST Burnham outlined his vision for the country after succeeding Keir Starmer, in his first speech as the United Kingdom's Prime Minister. Britain's new PM Andy Burnham gives his first speech in front of 10 Downing Street in central London on July 20, 2026. (AFP photo) Andy Burnham took over 10 Downing Street on Monday after meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. Burnham, who became the seventh British PM in the last decade, also outlined his vision for the country after succeeding Keir Starmer, in his first speech as the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister. Accompanied by his wife, Marie-France van Heel, Burnham met the King to formally become the PM following Starmer’s resignation. The 56-year-old leader arrived at Downing Street to loud applause from supporters. Addressing the press shortly after taking over the British PM’s office, he said, “I am acutely conscious that I am the sixth person in the last 10 years to walk up this street. The seventh Prime Minister since 2016.
Making this a moment for reflection and new resolution. It requires my generation of politicians to raise our game and rise to the new challenge. Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again." Watch The Video Here 🚨 IN FULL: Andy Burnham’s first address to the nation as Prime Minister pic.twitter.com/VgRMEt5hOU— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) July 20, 2026 “And that is our challenge, to make politics work, to make it work better. I know people at home are fed up with politics. I hear you. And I want to be honest with you. We have not been good enough. And we need to be better. We will be. We will make this moment a circuit breaker for Britain, bringing forward the biggest changes in the last 40 years. A new political model and a new economic model," he added. What New UK PM Andy Burnham Promised The new UK PM also promised to set out a 10-year-plan for Britain, to ease the cost-of-living crisis and outlined policy goals, including an end to sleeping on the streets. He also said his first directive would be to fulfil his pledge to “end rough sleeping", a goal he had pursued during his tenure as mayor in northern England, although the effort was not entirely successful.
Burnham also announced plans to reindustrialise Britain through public procurement and increase the construction of public housing. “Later this year, I will bring forward a new plan for Britain, a 10-year plan, laying out a path from where we are now to where I believe we all want Britain to be, wherever we’re coming from, whatever party we support. But I can do something to give people some breathing space now, some help with the cost of living. And I will set out some of those measures starting tomorrow…," he further said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What specific reforms will Andy Burnham introduce first? Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, has pledged to "end rough sleeping" as one of his first directives. He also plans to set out a 10-year plan for Britain to address the cost-of-living crisis and reform services. How will the new economic model impact British citizens? Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, has pledged to introduce a new economic model as part of sweeping reforms aimed at resetting British politics and government.
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