Andy Burnham says Sir Keir Starmer gave "lifetime of public service" for those fighting for justice

During his first question session in the House of Commons as prime minister, Andy Burnham used his opening statement to call for an honest reckoning with decades of economic decline outside London and the southeast, blaming 1980s privatisation, austerity, Brexit, and private control of essential services. He said his government would pursue devolution and public ownership to generate growth, and cited Greater Manchester as a model. He also announced attendance at the COP31 climate summit, prison-release changes, and possible electoral reform. The tribute around the quote came as Burnham acknowledged outgoing MP Sir Keir Starmer, praising his long career and work on Hillsborough legislation and support for Ukraine. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch challenged Burnham’s diagnosis, accusing him of dwelling on the past.