RismadarVoice Reporters
September 29, 2026
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to put Britain on a “new path,” outlining plans for greater public control of essential services and major reforms to social care, energy and pensions.
Burnham made the commitments on Tuesday during his first Labour Party conference speech as Prime Minister in Liverpool.
The Prime Minister became emotional while speaking about his late father, who died earlier this month after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, before outlining his government’s plans for long-term reforms.
Central to the proposals is the creation of a National Care Service in England, intended to provide social care free at the point of use for people requiring support because of illness, disability or age.
Burnham acknowledged that implementing major reforms could carry political risks but said his government was prepared to confront difficult long-term issues.
He also announced plans for greater public involvement in essential infrastructure, including the creation of Great British Grid, a publicly backed body intended to invest in Britain’s electricity network.
The initiative is expected to operate under the Great British Energy framework and increase public involvement in electricity infrastructure following decades of privatisation.
Burnham also signalled changes to Britain’s state pension triple lock as part of plans to finance the proposed National Care Service.
The Prime Minister said the existing triple lock would remain in place for the rest of the current parliamentary term but would be modified from April 2030 if Labour remains in government.
Under the current system, state pensions increase annually by whichever is highest among inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5 per cent.
Burnham said pensions would continue to receive annual increases after the proposed changes, while savings generated by the reform would contribute towards financing the National Care Service.
His government is also pursuing greater public involvement in water, housing and other essential services while seeking to transfer additional powers to local authorities.
Burnham said the changes were intended to mark a departure from the economic and political direction Britain had followed over recent decades.
The Prime Minister also signalled closer cooperation with the European Union, with his government preparing for a UK-EU summit later in the year.
Burnham became Prime Minister on July 20, 2026, after succeeding Keir Starmer and has presented his administration as an effort to restore political stability while addressing longstanding pressures on public services and the economy.
His government now faces the challenge of financing its proposed reforms while Britain contends with weak economic growth, pressure on public finances and increased defence and security commitments.
