Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to address the House of Commons on Tuesday, where he will assert that bringing more essential services back into public control is the sole method to enhance economic growth across the UK. This will mark his first frontbench address in 16 years, occurring six weeks into his premiership.
Burnham will position public control of services as central to his priorities for the coming months, arguing it will stimulate investment, jobs, and growth. He is expected to state that the cost of everyday services is hindering the economy and will promise a plan to manage these costs.
The Prime Minister's commitment to public control faces an early test as he considers legislation to facilitate government ownership of struggling utilities, such as Thames Water. He will also confront decisions regarding potential changes to the immigration bill to exempt carers and pressure from MPs for electoral reform.
During his address, Burnham is expected to criticise privatised services, suggesting that utilities and transport have not served the public interest effectively, being neither reliable nor affordable. He will highlight ongoing efforts to bring bus routes under public control, including initiatives in the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Liverpool City Region.
Burnham will also face a two-hour session with MPs regarding policies announced over the summer, including a cut to VAT on energy bills, £2 bus fares, the abolition of digital ID, an expansion of devolution, and a plan for a national care service. Opposition MPs are anticipated to question the funding of these pledges and how a £4.7bn gap in the defence investment plan will be addressed.