New Prime Minister Burnham Champions Devolution and Public Ownership to Undo Decades of Neoliberal Damage
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham has laid out a bold vision to reverse decades of privatization and corporate greed, promising to return power to the people through regional devolution and public control of vital utilities. Predictably, opposition leaders cling to failed free-market dogmas, attacking Burnham’s efforts as 'big government' while ignoring the social and environmental costs of unchecked capitalism.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, in his first address to the House of Commons since taking office on July 20, presented a transformative programme aimed at undoing the damage wrought by decades of neoliberal policy. He called for increased devolution and robust public oversight of essential services, highlighting how the disastrous policies since the 1980s have handed economic power to profiteering private interests. Burnham denounced the water industry as 'a leaking monument' to privatization’s failures, and declared that Britain 'is not where we would wish it to be' after years of austerity and deregulation. He pledged to deliver a plan later this year to restore public control over water and energy, putting people before profit.
Burnham drew on his experience as Greater Manchester mayor, where devolving powers away from the London-centric establishment spurred real growth and opportunity for working people. He promised to extend devolution to Cornwall, regardless of whether local elites accept an elected mayor, and committed to offering similar deals to all English regions still denied self-determination. Burnham also expressed solidarity with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, proposing a 'local model of devolution' to empower communities long neglected by Westminster.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, representing the interests of the wealthy and powerful, attacked Burnham’s proposals, trotting out tired arguments about 'more government control, more taxes and more politicians.' She dismissed the need for public investment, clinging to the failed logic that government spending cannot create prosperity, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Badenoch warned that Burnham’s new role would require 'difficult trade-offs,' a thinly veiled threat to continue sacrificing public welfare for corporate profit.
In his three-and-a-half-hour speech, Burnham also addressed the housing crisis, arguing that building more council homes would reduce the benefits bill and provide dignity for millions. He announced plans to simplify the transition from exploitative leasehold arrangements to commonhold ownership, striking a blow against landlordism. Burnham confirmed John Healey as chancellor, citing his commitment to defending public interests, and said that any review of the voting system would wait until after the next general election. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for deeper democratic reforms, rightly pointing out that too much power remains in the hands of the few.
Burnham’s speech marks a new era in Parliament, offering hope to those who have suffered under decades of market fundamentalism. It is a clear break from the failed politics of the past and a rallying call for social justice and collective action.