What are the new British Prime Minister’s biggest challenges?

Aljazeera
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4 Video Views·Jul 21, 2026
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Keir Starmer out, Andy Burnham in. The UK has a new prime minister. Andy Burnham has officially
been sworn into the office of a country desperate for political and moral leadership.
I know people at home are fed up with politics. I hear you.
Burnham was confident whilst being announced as the new
leader of the government, but he knows the public will expect results, not more apologies.
I want to be honest with you. We have not been good enough and we need to be better. We will be.
From day one, the new prime minister faces an in trade full of major challenges,
from building affordable housing, growing the economy to international conflicts,
including Russia's war in Ukraine, tensions involving the United States and Iran,
and Israel's war on Gaza. All amid demands to increase defence spending to 3% of the GDP,
which could cost £9 billion a year. Burnham's been clear his time in number 10 will signal a
change in British politics, yet the PM has avoided being grilled by journalists, instead
embracing social media. Labour members across the country have voted their top five concerns are
the cost of living, NHS, the economy, defence and Britain's relationship with the EU.
The far right reform UK party and its leader Nigel Farage have focused heavily on immigration.
However, Labour members ranked immigration 11th among their priorities. Foreign policy issues,
including Israel's war on Gaza, ranked 19th. The genocide in Gaza has been cited as a major
source of division within the Labour party, and was the focus of large protests during
Keir Starmer's time as prime minister, leading Burnham to issue an apology.
I know many people feel that at the start of Israel's military action in Gaza,
my party didn't get it right, and I am sorry about that. The response has too often not
been good enough. We need to do better. Critics say Burnham has yet to clearly
define his key policy agenda. However, one proposal has stood out, a plan to shift power
away from Westminster by establishing a number 10 in the north, and giving greater powers to
local government with the aim of improving areas such as social care and housing.
We will take power out of here, and carry it into every postcode in the land,
so that they can do more. And in doing more, build a new economy.
Burnham becomes Britain's 7th prime minister in 10 years. The man known for loving running
will be hoping his timing down the street is more of a marathon than a sprint.
Or Britain will be looking for its 60th prime minister.
Comment below, do you think Andy Burnham is the right man to lead Britain?
