Andy Burnham has outlined a transformative agenda for Britain, prominently featuring a proposal to alter the current state pension triple lock from 2030. This significant policy shift forms a cornerstone of his strategy to finance a new national care service across England.
Addressing a packed Labour Party conference as prime minister, Burnham detailed how the reform would impact the annual pension increase. From 2030, the state pension would rise by either inflation or 2.5%, whichever is higher. Crucially, the automatic link to average earnings growth would be removed.
Burnham emphasized that this adjustment to the pension triple lock would create “significant savings.” These funds are earmarked for building and sustaining the national care service. He acknowledged the potential political cost of such a move, stating, “someone has to go through the pain barrier and rip the plaster off.”
His long-held ambition for social care reform stems partly from family experiences, including an incident involving his grandmother. The proposed service would offer free care at the point of use. Burnham declared it a “landmark” policy, as vital as the National Health Service itself for securing its future. He also committed to fully funding the service without resorting to borrowing.
Officials project these pension changes could save an estimated £15 billion annually by 2040. Jonathan Cribb from the Institute for Fiscal Studies noted that savings would likely start small but grow considerably over time.
Beyond pensions and care, Burnham’s vision encompasses widespread public control. He seeks to repeal Margaret Thatcher’s “ideological ban” on public ownership of water companies. Legislation will pave the way for a decade-long journey to a transformed water system, enhancing mayoral powers to hold companies accountable. Moreover, councils would gain easier routes to acquire poorly maintained private rented homes.
Additionally, Burnham indicated a desire to explore closer UK-EU ties, acknowledging that “Brexit has done more harm than good.” He plans to set out various options for Britain’s long-term relationship with the bloc. To widespread applause, he also announced a national commission on electoral reform, aiming for a system where “everyone’s vote counts.”
Youth investment and systemic reform were also highlighted. Burnham pledged to rebuild a comprehensive education system, ensuring parity between academic and technical pathways. A “fundamental rethink” of the welfare system is also necessary, he argued, to create new opportunities for young people.
The policy announcements drew immediate political criticism. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch warned of “more tax rises” under Labour. Reform UK’s Nigel Farage accused the prime minister of “launching an offensive against our elderly.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey stressed that families needed action sooner, not funded by the “pockets of our poorest pensioners.”
Conversely, Unite union general secretary Sharon Graham argued for alternative funding mechanisms, such as a wealth tax, over altering the pension triple lock. Green Party leader Zack Polanski dismissed the speech as containing “half measures, reannouncements and tinkering.”
The speech, delivered in front of family and friends, saw Burnham speak for over an hour. He paused at times, appearing emotional when referring to his late father. Arriving to The Farm’s “All Together Now,” he adopted the song title as a theme, promising to “draw a line on a decade of division.”
