Burnham pins decades of stagnation on Brexit and Thatcher in first Commons address

In his first Commons speech as prime minister, Andy Burnham blames Brexit and Margaret Thatcher for a long spell of slow growth and pledges a blunt, honesty-based reset. He outlines three priorities—cutting the cost of living, regenerating communities, and expanding public control of essential services—with deputy-led task forces to drive them. He signals potential renationalisation of utilities, maintains a defence spending target of around 3% of GDP, keeps doors open to electoral reform, and hints at re-engagement with the EU, including a possible summit later this year and continued pursuit of green energy alongside pragmatic gas exploration. Starmer’s resignation as an MP also sets up a byelection test for Burnham, while the government weighs reforms to high streets and devolved powers to local authorities.