Joe Dromey reacts to Burnham’s speech
This was the biggest speech of Andy Burnham’s career, and he rose to the moment.
This is a Prime Minister with a clear sense of purpose, offering hope – not through easy promises – but through the determination to take on problems that have been ducked for too long.
He was bold on care, bold on pensions and bold on political reform. In committing to build a National Care Service and reforming the triple lock to help pay for it, he showed that he is prepared to spend political capital to change the country, rather than simply preserve the status quo.
Above all, this was a speech about whose side government is on. Burnham set out a vision of a country that gives people greater security, greater control and confidence that the state will be there when they need it.
There will be difficult fights ahead. Today Andy Burnham showed that this is a fight he is ready to take on.