Caution from Northern Ireland leaders as Andy Burnham is installed as the UK's new Prime Minister
Andy Burnham has taken over as Prime Minister without setting out a clear vision for the country, and he must now turn talk into action, Northern Ireland’s unionist leaders have said.
The former mayor of Greater Manchester’s meteoric rise to national power was completed on Monday when King Charles asked him to form a government, and Mr Burnham began hiring and firing ministers.
Locally, there was a cautious tone from political leaders over the appointment of the seventh UK prime minister in a decade.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the lack of a contest, and no meaningful debate about Labour’s future direction left serious questions about what a Burnham premiership will mean in practice.
Ulster Unionist boss Jon Burrows said the new Labour leader “talks a good talk” – but now is the time for delivery.
Alliance leader Naomi Long said the incoming PM should focus in the financial pressures facing the Stormont Executive – as well as reform of the local institutions.
Speaking after Mr Burnham’s appointment as prime minister, Gavin Robinson said: “Andy Burnham enters Downing Street with one of the largest parliamentary majorities in modern times, yet without ever having properly set out a clear vision for the country.
“There was no contest of ideas, no meaningful debate about Labour’s future direction and little explanation of what his leadership will mean in practice.
“After two years of Labour Government, economic growth has failed to materialise, welfare spending has continued to rise and the UK is now spending more on welfare than it raises through income tax, while debt interest exceeds defence spending. That is not a sustainable course for our country.
“If the new Prime Minister is serious about change, he must reward those who work hard, back businesses, restore economic competitiveness and take decisions that strengthen the United Kingdom. Pragmatism on issues such as North Sea energy production and digital identity would be a welcome departure from Labour’s recent approach, but announcements alone will not be enough.
“The British people will judge this Government on results, not rhetoric. Mr Burnham must now demonstrate that he is prepared to take difficult decisions, confront the divisions within his own party and deliver the economic growth, stronger public finances and national confidence that the United Kingdom urgently needs.”
UUP boss Jon Burrows MLA said: “I don’t know Andy Burnham personally, and neither do most people outside Manchester. Those in power need to reconnect with ordinary people. Time will tell what difference, if any, his premiership makes.
“What people want more than anything right now is trust in government and a genuine sense of hope. For too long, government has felt adrift from reality. The Prime Minister talks a good talk, now let’s see delivery.
“Here in Northern Ireland, families are feeling the cost of living just as acutely as anywhere else: energy bills, public sector pay, the cost of running a business or accessing child care, and the price of a weekly shop are all straining household budgets.
“If the Prime Minister’s talk of delivery is to mean anything, it must be felt in people’s pockets here too, not just in Westminster announcements.
“He speaks of greater devolution for the country, and I look forward to hearing more about that vision. But any devolution must always act in the best interests of the Union.
“I hope to work constructively with him and his government to secure the best outcomes for everyone in Northern Ireland.”
Alliance leader Naomi Long called on the new PM to “prioritise sustainable funding" and reform of the political institutions.
“Andy Burnham is on record, including recently when he was keynote speaker at the Alliance Party Conference, as being a supporter of devolution and political reform. Reform of the institutions here to prevent future collapses of power-sharing is one of the first issues we will be raising with him. It is an approach backed by the majority of parties and I look forward to seeing progress on the issue.
“It is also vital the new Prime Minister urgently looks at the financing of Northern Ireland. It is widely accepted we are underfunded compared to Scotland and Wales, and that needs to change. We have recently held talks with the Secretary of State on this matter and will be making the point to Andy Burnham. If he is to truly be a Prime Minister of the whole UK, additional investment is needed across the regions”, the East Belfast MLA said.