Five takeaways from Andy Burnham's Commons debut as PM
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has delivered his first statement to the House of Commons, outlining a strategy for economic growth through increased regional devolution. He also addressed defense spending concerns, noting that the government will clarify its 3% GDP target in the upcoming spring spending review.
Why it matters
This marks a significant shift in UK governance as the new administration prioritizes decentralizing power from Westminster to local councils to stimulate the economy.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Ewan Somerville Political reporter PA Media Andy Burnham has taken questions from MPs in the House of Commons for the first time since taking over as prime minister.
The statement on his future plans for power comes six weeks after he took over from Sir Keir Starmer in July, just before Parliament's summer recess.
Here are the main points from what he said.
Burnham told MPs his time as mayor of Greater Manchester had given him a "clear theory of growth" that further devolution of power away from Westminster would help boost the UK's economic prospects.
But he said he wanted to avoid a "two-tier England" - where areas that have already been given greater powers pull away from those that have not.
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