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19 hours ago
12
How fortuitous for Andy Burnham that just as Keir Starmer departs from Downing Street, the threat from the menacing presence of Nigel Farage is also beginning to dissolve (Editorial, 15 July). Burnham is an unknown quantity to most of the public so he needs to define who he is, what he believes in and what he will do about the things people care about most – the cost of living, the housing market and the parlous state of public services.
In stark contrast to Keir Starmer’s cautious and forensic persona, Burnham is a skilled operator, familiar with the rough cut and thrust of politics, and a track record of fusing the energy and talents of people from diverse perspectives to work towards a common good.
Every one of these attributes, together with a great deal of good fortune and Burnham’s renowned skills in communicating, will be needed to raise the spirits of an embattled, disillusioned and sceptical public. Starmer’s departure from office will be to no avail if it is not followed swiftly by the public feeling an increasing sense of hope and wellbeing.
Peter Riddle
Wirksworth, Derbyshire
As a former Labour member who resigned this year following the announcement of reforms to refugee status, I felt Andy Burnham’s Labour leadership speech was inspiring and full of hope (Burnham declares he is ready to ‘beat Britain’s new right’ as he becomes Labour leader, 17 July). I noted that the speech didn’t provide any deep insight into his foreign policy thinking.
Keir Starmer’s two-year reign has improved EU relationships, played a key role in shaping Europe’s policy towards Ukraine and improved trade agreements with several nations. Mr Burnham and the new foreign secretary need to maintain the pace and focus on these three critical issues.
Improved trade with the EU provides new opportunities for young people and businesses. Ukrainian citizens, the EU and the UK need to know the war is not placed on a lower level of priority by the UK government given Burnham’s overflowing in-tray.
Paresh Motla
Thame, Oxfordshire
Peter Walker (Analysis, 17 July) identifies “an almost Johnsonian sense of mischief” in Andy Burnham’s acceptance speech, but which Johnson is he referencing? Until relatively recently, I would have assumed that he meant the 18th-century lexicographer Samuel Johnson. If it’s a latter-day Boris Johnson, perhaps the dictionary definition of “Johnsonian” needs updating. Pity Dr Johnson isn’t around to do the job.
Steve Newman
Sunderland
Before Andy Burnham starts nationalising stuff “to undo the Thatcherism of the 1980s” and we party like it’s 1966, perhaps he could have a word with the likes of Greg Jackson at Octopus Energy and Jeff Bezos at Amazon instead of assuming that the state running utilities is the holy grail. I for one I don’t want my energy to come from Ed Miliband.
Charles Foster
Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire
If Andy Burnham is serious about recovering the Labour values of 40 years ago, I look forward to the return of clause IV to the party constitution.
Steve King
London
Should Andy Burnham appoint a minister for drought? It worked in 1976.
Hilary Bird
Kilndown, Kent
So Andy Burnham has “a plan”. Or is that a cunning plan?
Dr Phil Dawson
Newcastle upon Tyne
