Tag: Prime Minister Andy Burnham

Burnham blocks hundreds more criminals from sentencing changes

PRIME MINISTER BOWS TO PUBLIC PRESSURE

Unlawful killing and historic child sex offences will be blocked from upcoming changes to prison sentences after the Prime Minister ordered more serious offenders to be kept behind bars for longer

  • Prime Minister blocks manslaughter, death by drunk or dangerous driving and historic child sex offences from sentencing changes  
  • Builds on action to keep those in prison for rape, child sex or grooming offences behind bars
  • Victims of domestic violence will be better protected from perpetrators, with record numbers of offenders set to leave prison tagged and the new restriction zones put in place, some as little as a few miles wide, for some sexual and violent offenders
  • The government will deport thousands of foreign criminals and bring the injustice of IPP sentences to an end during this Parliament 

Unlawful killing and historic child sex offences will be blocked from upcoming changes to prison sentences after the Prime Minister ordered more serious offenders to be kept behind bars for longer. 

The Prime Minister’s intervention will mean offenders in prison for killing an emergency worker in the line of duty will not be released any earlier. Historic grooming offences, all forms of manslaughter, death by dangerous driving and causing or allowing the death of a child will also be barred from the changes to the prison sentences.

This builds on the action already taken by the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor to stop anyone in prison for rape, serious child sexual offences and grooming from being released earlier. Murderers or anyone deemed the most dangerous by a court and handed a life or extended sentence were already blocked from seeing any reduction to their sentence and will stay locked up until they go before a Parole Board.

As a result of these changes today, hundreds more victims will no longer face the anxiety of seeing their offender coming out sooner than they were expecting.

Since coming into office, the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor have made significant changes to the plans they inherited. They want to go even further, but cannot do so without risking the entire justice system collapsing. This would mean the police would be unable to make arrests, the courts would stop sending criminals to jail and criminals would be left unchecked on our streets.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:  ”I know how strongly people feel about this issue. I understand the concern and anger because I share it. That’s why I took action during my first weeks as Prime Minister to block some of the very worst in society being released before they should. We moved quickly to block vile criminals who commit rape, sexually abuse children and groom vulnerable young people.

“But I always said I wanted to do more. We will now not only be keeping offenders serving time for indecent assault locked up, but also those in prison for manslaughter and death by dangerous driving. This means that the awful criminals responsible for the killing of PC Andrew Harper will not have their sentence shortened.

“The truth is I wanted to go even further. But I’ve pushed the system to the very limits of what’s possible without risking the prison system collapsing within months, putting the public at enormous risk.

“To protect victims, we will be introducing the toughest ever supervision measures for offenders, which effectively mean that someone’s sentence will not end when they leave prison.

“This includes tagging offenders and, for the very first time ever, putting restriction zones in place to stop offenders getting anywhere near their victims.”

The Prime Minister has also announced that he will end the injustice of Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences this Parliament, meaning people will no longer be trapped indefinitely under a sentence abolished more than a decade ago.

This decision recognises how deeply unjust it is that some offenders who have been locked up for nearly twenty years remain in prison, despite serving their sentence many times over, whereas many serious criminals convicted in recent years could have their jail time cut. While work on this will begin immediately, and on a cross-party basis, it will take time to get this right and balance fairness with public safety.

This is just one part of the government’s plan for a fairer justice system, looking at how some people can be punished more effectively outside prison – freeing up cells for those who pose the greatest risk to the public.  

This will include considering how to safely reduce the number of and young offenders and women in custody, in particular those who are pregnant or have young children.

Powers will also be implemented early next year to deport some foreign criminals immediately after sentencing, blocking them from ever returning to the country, while keeping those in prison for the most serious crimes locked up for a substantial period before they are removed.

Justice Secretary Alex Norris said:  ”The Prime Minister and I have rightly looked again at these reforms and we are clear that people responsible for taking a life, or for appalling crimes against children, should be kept behind bars for longer.    

“But protecting the public also means fixing the prison system for good. We will build the cells we need, put offenders under much tougher controls when they leave prison and end the historic injustice of IPP sentences.   

“This is a government running towards problems and not shying away from the tough decisions needed to build a justice system that is firm, fair and protects the public.”

The Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor have also insisted that victims must remain at the centre of the justice system, with survivors of domestic abuse seeing offenders put under some of the toughest restrictions to date.

This includes a presumption that all prison leavers will be tagged and imposing possible bans on pubs and public events.

Perpetrators could also be confined to a specific area – some just a few miles wide – giving victims greater freedom to live their lives. In a world first, new ‘restriction zones’, which have been directly shaped by the experiences and campaigning of victims, will limit the movement of some sexual and violent offenders, with victims having a say in how zones are drawn up.

Victims advocates Hetti Barkworth-Nanton CBE, chair of Refuge, Frank Mullane MBE, CEO of Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse, and Jo Early, chief executive of Support after Murder and Manslaughter, said: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to exclude all manslaughter cases from the early release scheme.

“The original sentence lengths for these offences were, in part, intended to protect the public. The problem of prison capacity does not alter that underlying need for public protection.

“Therefore, making manslaughter offenders eligible for early release would risk undermining a key purpose of their sentences and could represent a significant compromise to public protection. This also re-assures families bereaved by homicide that they are not being asked to trade justice so prison overcrowding can be resolved.

The government says it inherited a prison system on the brink of collapse with fewer than 100 spaces left in the summer of 2024. 

A lack of investment in the prison estate with just 500 net places added for over a decade has led to a situation where adult male prisons are now at 98% capacity. That is why this government is taking decisive action to fix the broken prison system for good.  

Under this government, more than 3,200 prison places have already been built, with 14,000 expected by 2031 under the largest prison build expansion since the Victorian era.

The Westminster government says the Sentencing Act will restore order to the prison system and make sure we have cells available for dangerous criminals.

They say that, alongside record prison building, the reforms will put prisons on a sustainable footing and end the cycle of emergency release measures used before July 2024 when prisons repeatedly came close to running out of space.  

Emergency Alert sent to England and Wales as UK Government steps up wildfire response

People across England and Wales receive an Emergency Alert on their phones as the Government steps up action to protect communities from the growing threat posed by wildfires

  • Emergency Alert to be sent to people across England and Wales as wildfire risk remains very high
  • Prime Minister visits fire-hit communities and announces support package for firefighters and local residents
  • Immediate ban on disposable barbecues introduced to help prevent further fires

People across England and Wales have received an Emergency Alert on their phones as the Government steps up action to protect communities from the growing threat posed by wildfires.

The alert, sent on a rolling basis from approximately 19:00 last night, warns people not to light anything that could spark a fire, including barbecues, campfires, and fireworks. Recipients will also be urged to report any fire immediately by calling 999.

The move comes as firefighters continue to battle the effects of major incidents across parts of the country, following some of the most challenging conditions seen in recent years.

The Prime Minister visited Stourbridge yesterday to meet residents affected by wildfire damage and thank firefighters, emergency responders and local resilience partners who have worked around the clock to protect lives and property.

As part of the Government’s action to protect local areas and prevent further fires, the Prime Minister announced a package of immediate support for communities and frontline services.

This includes emergency funding for fire and rescue services facing the greatest operational pressures, military assistance in South Wales where around 100 personnel have been immediately deployed to support response and recovery efforts, and a temporary nationwide ban on the sale of disposable barbecues. A further 100 members of the Armed Forces will deploy this evening.

Retailers have been informed that disposable barbecues must be removed from sale immediately. The temporary measure will remain under review but will stay in place while the heightened wildfire risk continues.

The Government is also calling on insurers to process claims as quickly as possible for affected households and businesses, ensuring families receive support without unnecessary delay.

For areas hardest hit by wildfire damage, the Bellwin Scheme remains available to help local authorities meet exceptional recovery costs, while ministers stand ready to consider requests swiftly.

Alongside the immediate response, the Government is looking at longer-term resilience. Later this year, ministers will convene a national wildfire summit bringing together fire chiefs, the National Fire Chiefs Council, the Fire Brigades Union and other partners to strengthen future preparedness and consider what additional capabilities may be required to respond to increasingly severe weather events.

The summit will build on the Government’s existing investment in wildfire resilience, including £97 million for fire service training and specialist equipment.

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has also written to local authorities across England reminding them of the powers available to restrict activities that could increase fire risk, including the use of Public Spaces Protection Orders to limit barbecues, campfires and other forms of open fire in vulnerable areas.

The Government is working closely with local authorities, emergency services and devolved administrations to monitor conditions and take further action where necessary.

The latest measures follow a meeting of COBR chaired by the Prime Minister earlier this week. To reduce the pressures on emergency services, people are reminded to be extra cautious in the dry conditions. This means:

  • Do not light fires, or open flames, in the countryside or other open spaces, including parks, moorland and wooded areas. 
  • Never leave a household barbecue unattended and ensure it is fully extinguished after use.
  • Dispose of smoking materials carefully and never throw cigarette ends from vehicles.
  • Take litter home, particularly glass bottles which can intensify sunlight and increase fire risk.
  • Call 999 immediately if they see signs of a fire.

First Secretary, Louise Haigh, said: “In response to the continued risk proposed by wildfires, the government has taken the decision to issue an Emergency Alert to England and Wales. This is the most extensive use of the UK’s Emergency Alert system in response to an active incident, and reflects the seriousness with which the government is acting to safeguard people and property.

“During this period of extreme heat, we are asking people to take simple steps to limit the risk of further fires. By following the safety guidance, everyone can play their part in protecting local communities and supporting our frontline services who are working around the clock to keep people safe.

“The government will continue to provide every assistance to communities being impacted by these fires, including the deployment of 100 additional military personnel in major incident areas.”

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner said: “It is awful to see the devastation fires have caused across the country. I’m very grateful to all the first responders working so hard to keep people safe. A number of firefighters were taken to hospital as a result of incidents yesterday and I pay tribute to their bravery and commitment.

“As the Prime Minister said, we will do everything to make sure our fire services have the resources they need from us and our support to deal with the unprecedented risks being driven by this heatwave.

“As well as supporting firefighters on the ground now, my department will hold a summit bringing together fire chiefs, the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, the Fire Brigades Union and other key organisations to look at our future response.

“To the residents affected, particularly those who lost their homes and their life’s possessions to fire – we will work with the mayor and local leaders to make sure you are supported.”

Burnham hands England’s mayors share of income tax to make lives better ‘in every postcode’

The Prime Minister has launched ‘the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation’, giving England’s communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and public services in their area

  • Biggest transfer of power, funding and responsibility from Westminster in a generation
  • Mayors to keep a share of income tax and business rates revenues so communities directly benefit when their economy grows, with new powers for communities still on the road to devolution
  • Taking a tried and tested approach nationwide – delivering better transport, more homes and skills training matched to local jobs

The Prime Minister yesterday launched ‘the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation’, giving communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and public services in their area.

As part of the largest package of financial powers ever offered to English mayors, mayors will receive a share of income tax revenues for the first time.

This means when places create jobs and grow their economies, they will now keep more of the rewards – giving local leaders new powers to invest in what matters most locally.

The government wants every community to benefit from stronger local decision-making. Areas without a mayor will still be supported to establish strategic authorities and gain greater control over local priorities.

In his second week in office, the Prime Minister told his Cabinet that it is time to launch a new era of devolution – taking power and decision-making out of SW1 and putting it closer to people’s lives.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “I said we’d take power out of Westminster and carry it into every postcode in the country. Today, we make good on that promise.

“Under our plans, more of the taxes raised in a community will stay in that community. Soon, every local leader will have the power and resources to improve public transport, build homes and create jobs.

“I know what it’s like to be ignored by politicians in Westminster. I’m not going to make that same mistake now I’m PM.

“The whole of government will now pull together behind the people and places that desperately need our support. This is how we’ll bring back hope and bring power home to you.”

The plans will end the Whitehall-first culture that has held back local areas for decades, forcing departments to justify why powers should stay in Westminster rather than be handed to local leaders.

By shifting power, funding and decision-making closer to people, the changes will give every part of the country the tools to create strong local economies, improve public services and shape its own future.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey MP said: “The people who best understand what skills employers want, what transport an area needs and where investment can make the biggest difference are those who live there.

“For the first time we’re giving Mayors a share of income tax so communities directly benefit when their economy grows – passing power out of Westminster and driving growth in every postcode. 

“This is the way we start to build new hope and advance the working people of this country.”

From next spring, mayors will begin retaining a greater share of locally generated revenues, starting with business rates. Further details on this and on income tax retention will be set out in a roadmap at the Budget and will be underpinned by the government’s firm commitment to fiscal discipline.

Over time, local areas will move away from dependence on Whitehall grants and towards funding that rewards local growth.

The ambition is to extend the benefits of devolution across the whole UK, working with devolved governments and local leaders to give communities more control over their future.

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said:  “This is the first step in our plan to rewire this country and build a better future, where power is no longer hoarded in Westminster but is put back in the hands of local people – where it belongs.

“Our devolution revolution is about bringing an end to the begging-bowl culture of the past, and instead making sure our local leaders have the tools they need to drive the change that communities have been crying out for.

“We need every region to be firing on all cylinders if we want good growth in every postcode, and we will do everything in our power to make that a reality.”

The reforms will be driven by a strengthened No10 North operation, working with mayors, local leaders and other partners to remove barriers to growth, accelerate delivery and ensure government is better connected to communities across the country.

Local leaders will gain greater control over the services that shape people’s lives, including housing, transport, skills, employment support and public services.

This includes powers to:

  • Bring rail and bus services under greater local control, helping introduce integrated ticketing and more reliable services.
  • Build more homes where they’re needed and unlock stalled development sites by giving local leaders stronger planning and regeneration powers and more devolved funding.
  • Give more control over large local transport schemes, trams and metros to Mayors by removing and streamlining Whitehall.
  • Give mayors control over 16-19 funding and employment support, so young people can train for the jobs local employers need and people out of work can get tailored support back into employment.
  • Back local industries and innovative businesses, and attract investment, creating more well-paid jobs.
  • Where power is devolved, Whitehall resource will follow, giving devolved leaders the resources they need to drive change closer to home

Reforms will remove barriers that prevent locally led transport projects from going ahead, handing over new planning powers for mayors and give local areas greater flexibility over how funding is spent.

Under a new “local first” principle, ministers will be expected to justify why powers should remain in Whitehall rather than being devolved.

The United Kingdom has invested less in its future than any other G7 country over the past three decades. Giving local leaders greater control over funding and investment decisions will help unlock opportunities that have too often been overlooked by a Whitehall-led approach.

The Prime Minister believes the country’s towns, cities and communities can drive far more growth and opportunity if they are given the tools to do so.

Where local leaders have been trusted with greater responsibility, they have already delivered results:

  • In West Yorkshire, a Housing Investment Fund of up to £334 million is helping unlock land for development and bring forward stalled sites, supporting the delivery of thousands of new homes.
  • In the Liverpool City Region, local leaders are transforming transport through the rollout of Tap and Go ticketing on Merseyrail, bringing the bus network into local control later this year and taking rail services back into public ownership by 2028.
  • In the North East, 65,000 residents have been supported to gain qualifications, opening up new employment opportunities in sectors including construction and childcare.

The UK cannot rely on success in a small number of places alone. By giving more communities the tools to succeed, these reforms will help spread opportunity more widely, raise living standards and ensure more people feel the benefits of economic success in their everyday lives.

As powers move out of Westminster, the Civil Service will become smaller and more strategic, focusing on the responsibilities that are best exercised at a national level.

Burnham: ‘From today Britain will value the hard hat as much as the graduation cap’

Under the Prime Minister’s fundamental changes to the education system, 14-year-olds in England will be able to get early access to technical education, skills training, work experience and connections with employers

  • Under the Prime Minister’s fundamental changes to the education system, 14-year-olds will be able to get early access to technical education, skills training, work experience and connections with employers
  • Prime Minister to say to students: ‘whether you choose construction, coding or classics, you’ll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve’
  • Schools, colleges, mayors, local leaders and employers will work together to create clear routes into good, skilled jobs in their area
  • Ofsted to change the way they measure and inspect schools, ensuring they recognise the quality of technical education and the support aimed at preparing young people for work
  • The changes follow Alan Milburn’s warning that Britain risks leaving behind a “lost generation” with over one million young people now not in education, employment or training

The Prime Minister will unveil a fundamental change to England’s education system today [Tuesday 28 July], with the launch of new prestigious technical educational routes. The new pathways will provide 14-year-olds with valuable early access to technical skills, work experience and connections with local employers.

The Prime Minister is determined to put technical education on an equal footing with the traditional academic path and to ensure there are ‘no dead ends’ for young people coming out of the education system. 

This means providing high-quality technical education routes that are valued and respected by students, parents and employers.  In a message directly to students, he will say ‘whether you choose construction, coding or classics, you’ll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve’. 

From age 14 (Year 10), students will have the chance to combine core academic subjects – including English, maths and science – with a high-quality technical education that’s linked to the jobs available in their area. They will be able to spend time with employers and gain real-world experience.  

Building on successful local initiatives, such as the MBacc in Greater Manchester, the new technical routes will mean young people can develop the technical knowledge and skills needed to progress in areas like engineering, healthcare and digital technology, skilling them up with the specific knowledge and capabilities that local employers need. 

Regional mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers will work together to shape the new technical education pathways, which can be tailored around local industries and growth sectors.

Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all system designed in Whitehall, the approach will allow areas to shape education around the industries that matter and are growing in their communities. That could include advanced manufacturing, AI, digital and technology, clean energy, life sciences, construction, health and care, or the creative industries, depending on local strengths and where the jobs of the future are being created.

To support this, the Government will prioritise funding towards high-quality technical education and practical routes into work. The Government will also change the way school performance is measured. Inspectors will recognise the schools that provide high quality technical education and support young people to develop the skills, experience and confidence employers want.

Together, these changes will give schools clear incentives and strong support to expand high-quality technical pathways, rather than treating technical education as an optional add-on or a less valued alternative to academic study. This will also ensure that the new technical pathways are properly recognised alongside academic achievement, so young people have real choice over their future.

Whether young people choose university, an apprenticeship, further education or direct entry into a skilled profession, they will now be able to see a clear route from education into employment, gaining the knowledge, skills and experience they need to secure the good jobs and opportunities in their area.

The changes will be part of the Government’s wider programme of devolution – giving local leaders greater influence over education for 14 to 16-year-olds. The Government will now work together with mayors, local leaders, schools, colleges and employers to develop the new technical education pathways ahead of an ambition to begin rolling them out from September 2028.

The changes announced today are just the first step in the Prime Minister’s plans to tackle the youth unemployment crisis.  

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “For too long in this country, students have been told that you must take the academic path to do well and to be respected. The whole school system has been built around it and that has let down young people seeking technical qualifications.

“I want an education system based on parity between academic and technical which gives all young people a clear path in life. From today, Britain will value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap.

“In a fundamental change to the education system, we will introduce new technical education pathways from 14 – prestigious routes that will give students the chance to combine the core academic subjects with the skills, technical knowledge and experience they need to get quality, well-paid jobs where they live.

“My message to young people is this – whether you choose construction, coding or classics, or maths, manufacturing or mechanics, you’ll get the skills you need and be given the respect you deserve.

“Fixing the youth unemployment crisis in Britain will require a major shake-up in how we do things – and that’s what this government will do. I want to ensure that our education system leaves no dead ends for our young people. The changes we’re announcing today will just be the start of our work to restore opportunity and hope across the country.”

Alan Milburn’s interim report warned that Britain is at risk of a “lost generation”, with over a million 16 to 24-year-olds now not in education, employment or training. His findings painted a stark picture of a system that too often leaves young people leaving school without the skills, experience or connections they need to step into the world of work.

Many young people are struggling to make the transition into employment, with growing evidence that qualifications alone are no longer enough to secure a good job. If a young person loses contact with work at the start of their adult life, the consequences can last for decades with lower earnings, fewer opportunities, worse health and a greater risk of long-term dependence on the state.

The Prime Minister believes the best way to bring down the welfare bill is to stop people becoming disconnected from work in the first place, which is why the Government is intervening earlier to strengthen links between schools and employers and to create clear routes into employment. 

Education Secretary Lucy Powell said: ““Every young person should be able to see a route to success, whatever their talents or ambitions. That’s why today is so important. It marks the start of a real shared effort with employers, businesses, mayors and councils to design an education system that connects young people to jobs and careers in their local area.

“By offering high-quality technical and vocational education alongside academic achievement, we’ll give more young people the chance to leave education with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s economy and the careers of the future.

“The technological revolution we are living through should mean young people become the fresh lifeblood our economy needs to adapt and grow. I want to make sure this generation is able to seize that opportunity, whatever their background or postcode.”

Alan Milburn said: “A million young people are being failed by a system that isn’t creating the opportunities for them to progress in life. The world of work is changing and the education system isn’t keeping up. 

“The changes the PM is announcing today are very welcome. They are a big step in the right direction and consistent with the findings of my review. A whole system reset is needed across health, welfare and labour market policy as well as in education and skills. I know the PM recognises this and my final report will outline the further changes that are needed.”

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: ““For too long, young people leaving school, college or university have faced real uncertainty about what awaits them. They’re not short of talent or ambition, but the roles they need to kickstart their careers and build their futures appeared to have dried up. Meanwhile, rapid advances in AI are changing the world of work altogether.

“That’s why I welcome these new plans from the Prime Minister to tackle the root causes of youth unemployment. This is fully aligned with the work we’re already doing in London, including £18 million of new funding from City Hall, to help thousands more young Londoners into work and training and to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.

“Our ambition is to build a future where every young person has the chance to follow their dreams, fulfil their potential and shape our world for the better, and this is the future that we’ll continue to build together.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: ““Here in West Yorkshire, devolution has emboldened us to make a simple promise to our young people – that no one will leave education without having first set foot in a workplace. Now, these bold measures from the Prime Minister will empower us to go even further. 

“By putting technical and academic education on an equal footing, we can help ensure that more of our young people leave school with the skills they need to succeed in life and work.”

Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO, Small Business Britain said: ““Small businesses are the heart of communities and are at the front line of working with schools and young people to create routes into work.

“Often supporting those furthest from the labour market, small business are and will be at the centre of this national effort, building on their strong local networks and driven by a personal investment in the success of their local economies. 

“This is why we at Small Business Britain welcome this programme. This is a great step towards preparing young people for the future, which needs to include business skills and entrepreneurship as core to the changing world of work. We look forward to supporting the Government and local communities get this into action. ”

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: ““Andy Burnham is absolutely right to launch a national effort to tackle the crisis number of young people out of work, education and training. The place-based approach the new prime minister has set out is welcome and unions can play a key role in ensuring it is a success.

“Putting technical education on an equal footing with academia brings us closer to the international standard for skills.

“And a qualifications framework that gives all young people opportunities to develop the skills and experience they need to move into a good first job with decent prospects is the right move. It’s vital this is met with adequate funding for both FE and schools to ensure meaningful careers guidance and relevant technical routes for young people.”

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: ““Retail has long provided the first rung on the career ladder for millions of people, and will continue to offer young people the skills, opportunities and experiences they need to build lifelong rewarding careers.

“Retail has so much to offer young people, and the industry is ready to play its part in tackling the youth unemployment crisis.” 

Burnham pledges ‘growth in every postcode’ as he visits Scotland

BUT YER NO’ GETTING ANOTHER REFERENDUM

  • Prime Minister vows to bring back hope ahead of first meeting with First Ministers of Scotland and Wales.
  • Andy Burnham will also attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
  • Will say devolution has to be about giving local communities power.
  • Comes as the Prime Minister gives families across the nations more breathing space with immediate action on the cost of living.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham will pledge to deliver growth in every postcode across the UK as he visits Scotland during his first week in office.

This afternoon [Thursday 23 July], the Prime Minister will hold meetings in Glasgow with the First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and the First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth, before watching the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games later on. 

During his talks the Prime Minister will set out how he plans to work collaboratively with the heads of the Scottish and Welsh Devolved Governments – based on a genuine partnership.  

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “When I say we need good growth in every postcode, I mean every postcode across the whole of the UK. Every place and every person matters.

“I’m not focused on point scoring or discussing constitutional changes like referendums, I want practical measures to help people live well and bring back hope. 

“That’s why I’m giving families more breathing space with help on the cost of living, which I have started this week by taking VAT off electricity bills, saving money for millions of households.”

In his first week, the Prime Minister has taken action to give families more breathing space by cutting taxes on energy bills for tens of millions of families this winter.

But this is just the start. As the Prime Minister has said, we need to rewire the Westminster-centric system that has left too many people feeling disconnected from decision making. That’s why he has set up No10 North to spread opportunity and investment more fairly across the UK and put power closer to people’s lives. 

The government says they are building a new economy, re-industrialising the United Kingdom and using public procurement to back our industry and create jobs.

The Prime Minister is expected to meet with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland on his tour of the United Kingdom in August, where he will visit places across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Through this tour, the Prime Minister will hear from people about what is needed in their communities as we restore hope that’s not been there in recent decades.