New UK prime minister says immediate relief measures will be unveiled this week, with longer-term reforms to follow later this year
London: Britain’s new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, on Monday pledged to introduce new measures this week to help tackle the cost-of-living crisis before outlining a new 10-year plan for the country later this year.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham said Britain must restore confidence and stability.
“Britain needs to show the world that we can regain our stability once again,” he said.
“We have not been good enough, and we need to be better.”
Promising Britons “some breathing space now”, Burnham said the government would unveil measures to address the high cost of living and explain how they will be funded.
Staff clap as new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and wife Marie-France van Heel walk into 10 Downing Street in London. REUTERS
Looking further ahead, he said the government would focus on helping more young people into work by reforming the education system and providing greater support, including mental health services. He also pledged to build more council homes.
“That is the fair and sustainable way to bring the welfare bill down, to meet our fiscal rules, and to honour our commitments on defence to our international partners,” Burnham said.
