Andy Burnham has delivered his first address to the nation after assuming office as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He formally formed the government on Monday (July 20) after accepting the King’s invitation at Buckingham Palace. At the very outset of his tenure, the new Prime Minister pledged to bring about the most significant changes to the country’s political and economic systems seen in the last four decades.
In his inaugural address, Burnham noted that frequent changes in prime ministers over the past decade have eroded public trust in politics, leaving many feeling frustrated and disillusioned. He acknowledged that previous governments had not fully succeeded in meeting public expectations and promised to work more effectively in the future.
He announced plans to decentralize state power, moving it beyond a London-centric model to reach various regions across the country. Simultaneously, measures will be taken to reduce the cost of living by strengthening government oversight on essential commodities.
The new Prime Minister pledged to prioritize expanding employment opportunities for young people, enhancing mental health services, and constructing public housing. He also announced that a ten-year long-term plan for national development would be unveiled by the end of the year. However, he noted that immediate steps to tackle the cost-of-living crisis would be implemented starting tomorrow.
Upon taking office, Burnham declared the elimination of homelessness and rough sleeping as his top priority. Before entering Downing Street, he called on the nation to set aside divisions and move forward in unity, stating that now is the time to propel Britain forward based on renewed trust and hope.
Source: UK Government
