Burnham invites Tories and Lib Dems to talks about social care
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is initiating cross-party talks to reform England's struggling social care system. Despite political disagreements, Burnham is seeking consensus to prevent the collapse of the NHS, though the move has faced criticism for excluding smaller political parties.
Why it matters
Social care reform is a critical domestic issue in the UK, with long-term implications for the sustainability of the National Health Service and the welfare of the elderly.
By Joshua Nevett , Political reporter and Alison Holt , Social affairs editor Published 29 July 2026, 02:59 BST Updated 5 hours ago Andy Burnham is to hold cross-party talks focused on the need to reform the social care system in England.
The prime minister will outline his strategy for reforms on Wednesday as Baroness Louise Casey, who is leading an independent review of the social care sector, told the BBC "the system is fairly bust".
Burnham, who has invited the leaders of the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats to meet him, is expected to give a speech saying that finding cross-party common ground will be key to improving the system.
On X, he said: "We can't kick this can down the road any longer. We have to find common ground and listen to others to find a way forward."
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