Burnham's first conference speech as PM: pension overhaul, Brexit rethink and electoral reform
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham used his first Labour conference speech as PM to announce a wide-ranging set of policies, from pension changes to a review of Brexit. The hour-long address was described as unusually dense with concrete proposals.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivered his first Labour party conference speech as prime minister, setting out an extensive policy agenda covering pensions, care, electoral reform and Brexit.
Pension triple lock change
Among the most concrete pledges was ending the pensions triple lock as currently structured. For 15 years, the state pension has risen by whichever was highest among earnings growth, inflation or 2.5%. From 2030, it would rise only by the higher of inflation or 2.5%, meaning pensions could for the first time since 2011 grow more slowly than earnings. A backstop would guarantee the state pension stays at least 30% of average earnings in years when earnings outpace inflation. Officials estimate the change could save around £15bn a year by 2040.
National care service
Burnham repeated his commitment to a universal, NHS-style national care service funded by everyone and free at the point of use. It would be partly funded by savings from the pension change, though the scale of the plan suggests further funding, potentially through tax rises, will be needed.
Electoral reform and Brexit
Burnham strongly criticised the first-past-the-post system, warning against governments taking power with under 30% of the vote. He announced a national commission to examine voting reform options, with recommendations to feed into Labour's next manifesto — meaning at least one more election will be held under the current system.
On Brexit, Burnham said it had done more harm than good, citing weaker economic growth, and pledged to use an upcoming EU summit to outline possible options for Britain's long-term relationship with the bloc, without offering specifics.
Other measures
Burnham also promised legislation on leasehold reform, new powers for councils over poor-quality rental housing, a bill to repeal the ban on public ownership of water companies, removal of right-to-buy for new social housing, and continued support for first-time buyers through an equity loan scheme.
