Summary
PM Andy Burnham to tour Britain to hear about cost of living worries He is set to propose steps that will provide some financial relief to consumers. He also plans to reveal his 10-year plan for the United Kingdom. Opposition parties criticise measures as a burden on businesses. Critics say businesses are being hit with higher taxes and red tape.
UK PM Cost-of-Living Tour
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will embark on a statewide tour to listen to people’s cost of living issues and announce a package of measures to provide them some “breathing space”, authorities announced on Sunday.
Burnham, who moved into 10 Downing Street last month in place of Keir Starmer, will be in “listening mode” for the rest of the legislative summer holiday month of August while he tours the country. He also intends to utilise the so-called cost-of-living tour to remind people about his 10-year plan for Britain.
Downing Street said: “He [Burnham] thinks that Westminster has got used to telling people that the everyday irritations – hidden pricing and individuals getting ripped off – are just part of life.And he’ll be hitting the road for his summer tour around the country, getting out of Westminster and meeting people where they are. “Downing Street said the Prime Minister will be in listening mode to help develop his 10-year plan to restore hope and make Britain better off.
Andy Burnham Cost-of-Living Tour Destinations
One destination is believed to be Tata Steel UK’s Port Talbot factory in south Wales, which is the UK’s biggest steelworks, but an official itinerary for the tour has not yet been issued.
The focus is likely to be on places where the ruling Labour Party has lost votes over the past decade and communities affected by falling industry.
The former mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham, has tried to set himself apart from his predecessor by creating No. 10 North in his home city as part of his signature policy of more devolution of powers to local government.
He has also made a number of walkabouts to create a more approachable image and regain the support of a disillusioned electorate.
Opposition Criticism of Cost-of-Living Measures
The Labour leader’s latest proposals have been attacked by opposition parties, with firms facing “tax hikes and red tape” from the government.“They are forcing businesses to close, killing jobs and pushing up prices for the public,” claimed Conservative Party’s shadow chancellor Mel Stride.
Daisy Cooper, Treasury spokesman for the Liberal Democrats said: “Struggling businesses need more than a new PM going on a vanity tour this summer.