Andy Burnham has delivered a scathing critique of the current political climate, warning that the United Kingdom is on a trajectory toward the 'poisonous politics of the United States' under the existing Labour leadership.
Burnham's Warning at St Jude's ARLFC
The Greater Manchester Mayor, who is standing as Labour's candidate in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, expressed his concerns during a campaign speech in Wigan on Saturday, June 13. He stated that 'communities don't work together anymore' and cautioned against the path of 'polarised and poisonous' politics.
Mr Burnham, who has indicated he would seek to enter any Labour leadership contest if he returns to Parliament, questioned the direction of the country. 'Does anyone here feel that we can just stay on the path that we’re on as a country?' he asked the audience at St Jude's ARLFC.
'It doesn’t feel doable, does it? It doesn’t feel that we’re heading in the right direction. It doesn’t feel like we’re heading to better lives for people. Things are getting harder, and politics is getting more polarised, and the path we’re on, if we are not careful, is a path towards the politics of the United States of America, a polarised, poisonous politics where people in communities don’t work together any more,' he added.
Defence and Welfare Comments
His remarks followed his recent comments on cutting welfare to fund defence spending, after the resignation of defence secretary John Healey and armed forces minister Al Carns over the long-delayed defence investment plan (Dip). Mr Burnham stated that 'the world has changed' and it was 'obvious' the Government would need to adjust its assumptions about defence spending.
In an interview with The Times, Mr Burnham outlined his plan to free up money for defence from welfare. 'I am not squeamish about saying that the plan would be to reduce the welfare bill,' he said.
Makerfield By-Election
The Makerfield by-election, scheduled for Thursday, is expected to be a tight race between Mr Burnham and Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon. According to a recent poll by The Times, Mr Burnham holds a five-point lead over Mr Kenyon.
