Andy Burnham has performed a major U-turn on prison releases, just weeks into his premiership, after previously claiming he had pushed the limits of what was possible to keep serious offenders behind bars. The reversal follows widespread criticism of his decision to allow two men convicted of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper to be released early.
U-turn on prison releases
The Prime Minister, who has been in office for only 15 days, had earlier told a furious nation that he had done everything possible to keep murderers, rapists and police killers inside. But now he has discovered there is more he can do, including for the killers of PC Harper. Critics argue that if his empathy with voters was as good as claimed, he would have acted sooner.
Burnham, who has a massive majority, can change the law if he wishes. Prison spaces could be found, and people on remand could be electronically monitored. The U-turn is his first biggie, and more could follow if he does not assert himself.
Mixed messages on other issues
Burnham is also sending mixed signals on compensation for WASPI women affected by state pension age changes. His “everyday fixes” programme to ease the cost-of-living crisis may have raised hopes too high, and if the Iran war drags on and energy prices climb, he could be helpless.
On immigration, he claims his plan is working, but so far he has only thrown cash at French police while ordering the middle classes to share the burden of housing asylum seekers. This will remind more people that the government has lost control of the borders.
Defence and tax concerns
Burnham has committed to higher defence spending, but defence secretary Wes Streeting has refused to promise hitting a target of 3% of GDP by 2030. The PM also revealed the brilliant minds he had lined up to guide his policy, but they seem reluctant to be publicly associated with him.
He also needs to do U-turns on tax ahead of the Budget, as months of speculation about a land tax, 50% income tax and a new wealth tax will crush investment and confidence.
If Burnham’s weak handling of the PC Harper case is a sign of things to come, he will soon be bounced around even more than Starmer and Reeves, and his honeymoon will last about as long as theirs did.
