NEW: Andy Burnham takes swipe at Brexit and Thatcher as he sets out vision for Britain

Andy Burnham takes aim at Brexit, Thatcherism and Britain’s economic record as he sets out his vision for the country in his first speech as Prime Minister. Burnham pays tribute to Keir Starmer and outlines his plans to deliver economic growth, promising “fiscal responsibility” while arguing that Britain has taken “a series of wrong turns” since the 1980s. He says Brexit “compounded the damage” and pledges to build a pro-business, innovation-led economy across the UK.

Burnham also addresses some of the major issues facing Britain, including the small boats crisis, prison early release and the privatisation of water companies and utilities. Drawing on his experience as Mayor of Manchester, the Prime Minister explains how his time in local government has shaped his approach to leading the country. He concludes by promising that Britain can “believe again” and “bring back hope” as he sets out his ambitions for the future.

Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch wastes no time in challenging the new Prime Minister, mocking Burnham’s first day in office and warning that being Prime Minister is “a very different job” from being Mayor of Manchester. Badenoch grills him over defence spending, the small boats crisis, tax rises and his criticism of Thatcherism, accusing Burnham of wanting to take Britain “back to the 1970s”.

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