UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing criticism after taking a holiday abroad just two weeks into the job. He took office on July 20, succeeding Keir Starmer, and is now taking a break to spend time with his family. No 10 officials confirmed he will remain in contact and continue meetings during his overseas trip, but would not disclose the destination.
Government continues normally
Allies of Mr Burnham insist the Government will function normally during his absence. In his first fortnight, he has made several announcements, including removing VAT from electricity bills, pledging to end rough sleeping, reinstating a £2 cap on bus fares in England, starting cross-party talks on social care, and vowing to be 'relentless' in tackling small boat crossings.
He also announced a cut in business rates for pubs, established No 10 North while promising extra powers to regional mayors, and suggested Gianni Infantino was the wrong man to lead Fifa.
Reform UK criticism
Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson criticised the Prime Minister, saying: "Two weeks into the job and Andy Burnham has already had enough. After dropping a number of unfunded commitments and overseeing over 2,000 illegal migrants breaking into our country he's bunked off for a jolly abroad. This isn't a Prime Minister that's serious about leading."
Sentencing backlash
The holiday comes amid a huge backlash over the Government's planned sentencing changes, which would mean PC Andrew Harper's killers may be eligible for early release. Burnham announced on Monday that rape, serious child sexual offences, and grooming would be excluded from the scheme aimed at easing prison overcrowding, but PC Harper's killers would still qualify.
PC Harper, 28, sustained fatal injuries while responding to a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in August 2019. Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg said: "I am beyond disappointed the Government is continuing to allow PC Andrew Harper’s killers to be released early from prison despite the overwhelming recent public outcry."
PC Harper's widow Lissie Harper said releasing killers early would be "an affront to justice" and "an utter betrayal", adding: "The level of disrespect the Government are showing to Andrew and other victims – and to their loved ones such as me – is beyond contempt."
