Prime Minister Andy Burnham played a song by The Smiths on guitar with a Ukrainian soldier during his first visit to Kyiv. The Prime Minister visited Ukraine's military and artistic unit, which performs on front lines, in hospitals, and at rehabilitation centres.
While at the unit’s mobile recording studio, Mr Burnham was handed a guitar and played the riff from 'Rusholme Ruffians' from The Smiths' 1985 album 'Meat is Murder'. He commented, "I'm out of practice, a little bit," and explained it was "a song by a Manchester band called The Smiths."
Soldiers also sang an Oasis song for the Prime Minister. Mr Burnham stated during his visit that music can help "lift spirits" on the front line.
Around the time Mr Burnham entered 10 Downing Street, the government revealed a new 'Music Plan'. This plan is designed to increase their growth package by £15 million, bringing the total to £45 million. MPs have indicated that this initiative is expected to benefit over 40,000 artists and businesses, 2,000 projects, and millions of children over three years, potentially enabling more individuals from working-class backgrounds to enter the music industry.