Burnham Blames Brexit for ‘Decade of Low Growth’ in UK

Andy Burnham’s recent statement to the Commons has sent shockwaves through Westminster. At its core, the new Prime Minister’s comments appear to be a bold rejection of Boris Johnson’s legacy, with Burnham laying blame squarely at the doorstep of Brexit.

Burnham’s words have been welcomed by pro-EU campaigners, who are now holding their breaths as they wait to see if he will follow through on his rhetoric with concrete actions. The £11.7 billion annual loss in exports since Brexit is a damning indictment of the damage done to British business. A staggering 98.2% of surveyed companies want the UK back in the single market, underscoring the need for significant change.

Burnham’s emphasis on decentralization, devolution, and taking things back into public ownership marks a clear departure from his predecessors. This is not just a nod to his pro-EU backers; it’s a genuine attempt to challenge the status quo and take on entrenched interests in British politics.

Naomi Smith, chief executive of Best for Britain, notes that if Burnham is serious about delivering a new kind of politics, he must be willing to pursue all options to achieve the profound economic transformation rejoining the EU would bring. This could mean a £92 billion boost to the economy at the very least.

The development highlights the deepening divisions within the Conservative Party. Kemi Badenoch’s mocking of Burnham’s claims only serves to underscore the party’s continued infighting and disarray. Meanwhile, Labour MPs are trying to capitalize on the Prime Minister’s words, with some even calling for a national commission on electoral reform.

But beneath the surface-level politicking lies a more profound question: can Burnham truly change course? Sir John Major warned in an interview that getting the UK back into the EU’s single market as a precursor to fully rejoining the bloc is a tall order. It would require a level of pragmatism and compromise sorely lacking from British politics in recent years.

Ultimately, what we’re witnessing here is not just a change of tone or policy direction; it’s a fundamental shift in the UK’s post-Brexit calculus. Burnham’s words have opened up new possibilities for the country’s economic future, but they also pose significant risks if he fails to deliver on his promises. As the Prime Minister himself put it: “Britain is not where any of us would wish it to be. Things are not working as they should.” This stark admission demands more than just words – it requires action.

The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking. Can Burnham really lead Britain out of its economic wilderness? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: this is just the beginning of a long and winding road ahead.