Politics · United Kingdom · 5 hrs ago
Burnham sets out plans for a major shift in UK policy
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has outlined plans to shift the UK away from some of the privatisation reforms introduced under Margaret Thatcher.
He is a Labour leader who took office after Keir Starmer, and Starmer's parliamentary majority does not guarantee that Burnham's plans will succeed.
Burnham wants to raise pensions by less than previously planned and address the growing number of young people choosing benefits instead of work.
He has also said that a return to the European Union should be discussed as a possible future option.
His plans include greater public control of housing, water and energy, alongside efforts to spread economic growth and help people cope with higher living costs.
Financial markets have reacted cautiously, while the cost of government borrowing is at a 30-year high, largely in line with a wider trend.
The budget due on 28 October is expected to show how Burnham would fund his plans while sticking to his commitment to control public spending.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has set out plans to reverse many of Margaret Thatcher’s privatisation reforms and reshape the UK over the next decade.
His proposals include slower pension increases, changes aimed at encouraging more young people to work, and greater public control over housing, water and energy.
Burnham has also proposed discussing a possible return to the European Union in the future.
Markets have reacted with some caution, while the cost of government debt is at a 30-year high, which the article says is mainly due to the wider trend.
The UK budget on 28 October is expected to show how the government plans to fund its changes while keeping to its promised fiscal tightening.
- Who
- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
- What
- He has set out plans for a major shift in UK policy, including greater public control over housing, water and energy.
- When
- The article was published on 12 October 2026. The budget is due on 28 October.
- Where
- The United Kingdom.
- Why
- Burnham says his plans aim to spread growth, help people manage the rising cost of living and reshape the country for the next decade.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Burnham has announced proposals on pensions, work, a possible future return to the EU, and public control of housing, water and energy.
Expansión reported that Burnham had revealed most of his plans.
The UK budget is due to set out how the government will fund its plans while maintaining its commitment to fiscal tightening.
- Prime minister
- Andy Burnham
- Article publication date
- 12 October 2026
- Budget date
- 28 October
- Public control proposals
- Housing, water and energy
- Debt costs
- At a 30-year high, according to the article
Sources
Related news
London drivers' union urges halt to driverless taxi rollout
Appeal for major battery energy storage system rejected
UK considers mandatory safety reporting for frontier AI firms
Burnham says Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit vote
Farage proposes suspending asylum claims for up to five years
IFS warns inflation could squeeze public services ahead of Budget
Sinn Féin ministers face no-confidence vote after Drumcree dispute
Polanski vows to stay as Green leader after by-election loss and party row
Burnham pledges to publish details of his dealings with Manchester City
Former Grenfell housing director leaves senior Barnet Group role
Labour holds Starmer’s former London seat, defeating Green leader Zack Polanski
