Nigel Farage has savaged Andy Burnham's plan to supercharge devolution, warning it would do nothing to improve the lives of ordinary Britons. The Reform UK leader blasted the proposals after the wannabe Prime Minister used a major speech in Manchester to pledge the "biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times."
Burnham's Vision for Devolution
Speaking at the People's History Museum this morning, Mr Burnham vowed to "rewire Britain" by handing sweeping new powers to regional mayors and creating a "No10 North." The Makerfield MP, who is on course to enter Downing Street next month, set out a 10-year plan he claimed would "lift Britain back up" and give the nation the "circuit-breaker it needs." He said Westminster had been "broken" since the 2008 financial crash, leaving the country "stuck in a rut," and insisted growth could "only be nurtured from the bottom up."
Farage's Counterarguments
But Mr Farage tore into the blueprint, questioning whether devolution had improved life in the parts of Britain that already have it. In a video posted on X, he said: "Ask yourself, has devolution in London with Mayor Sadiq Khan made London's streets safer? No." He added: "Has devolution in Wales given them a better NHS or education? No, they are the worst in the country."
Mr Farage went on: "Has devolution in Scotland cleaned up Scottish politics? Well I think the recent jailing of one of the former bosses of the SNP would say no." The Reform leader argued that giving local government more power would do nothing to stop small boat crossings or reduce the national debt.
Urgency vs. Long-Term Planning
He said: "[Mr Burnham] says it will take 10 years to lift Britain back up to where it needs to be." Mr Farage added: "I would suggest those of us that believe Britain is broken would say we haven't got 10 years. What the country wants is immediate action."
Mr Burnham refused to take questions from reporters at the event, and has repeatedly declined to spell out his wider plans or how they would be paid for. The former Greater Manchester Mayor has also refused to call a General Election - despite repeatedly demanding the Conservatives do so each time they changed leader.
Union Powers and Criticism
He is additionally expected to hand more power to trade unions, prompting accusations he is surrendering authority to left-wing union barons.
