Burnham Blames Brexit and Thatcher for UK's Low Growth in First Commons Speech as PM

Delivering his first Commons speech as prime minister, Burnham told MPs he wanted to build a new sense of optimism so the country could 'make this next decade better than the last'. He argued that Britain needed to confront its economic trajectory and hinted at several major policy directions.

Burnham signalled he would commit to spending 3% of GDP on defence by 2030, saying he had appointed John Healey as chancellor 'precisely because' of Healey's position on military spending. He also opened the door to electoral reform, stating that there 'needs to be a mandate to make that change' and that a consensus could be reached at the next election.

On energy and climate policy, Burnham announced he would attend the Cop31 climate summit in Turkey and pledged to continue pursuing green energy, but said he would be 'pragmatic' on supply — a remark widely interpreted as a precursor to approval of the controversial Jackdaw gas field. 'The mistake is saying it's got to be one or the other for political purposes. The truth is, it's going to have to be both,' he said.

Why This Matters

Burnham's diagnosis of the UK's economic woes sets the tone for his premiership and will shape policy priorities for years to come.
Defence spending commitments and the potential approval of the Jackdaw gas field have significant fiscal and environmental implications.
The openness to electoral reform could reshape UK electoral politics if pursued, but requires a mandate and cross-party consensus.

Background

Andy Burnham became prime minister roughly six weeks ago following a Labour leadership change. His first Commons speech was an attempt to define his government's direction, drawing a direct line from the Thatcher era and the 2016 Brexit vote to current economic stagnation. The speech touched on defence, energy, democratic reform and climate policy, signalling a pragmatic approach that seeks to balance competing priorities.

Key Perspectives

Burnham and Labour government: The prime minister argues that acknowledging past mistakes is necessary to build a better future, and that a mix of green investment and pragmatic fossil fuel use is the realistic path forward. Environmental groups and climate advocates: Will be wary of the 'pragmatic' approach to gas field development, fearing it undermines the UK's climate commitments despite the Cop31 attendance pledge. Political opponents: Conservatives and pro-Brexit voices may reject the attribution of low growth to Brexit and Thatcher, instead blaming Labour policy choices or external global factors.

What to Watch

Formal defence spending commitment and timeline for reaching 3% of GDP by 2030.
Publication of the government's decision on the Jackdaw gas field.
Labour's next manifesto and internal debate on electoral reform proposals.

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