Burnham sets out EU and domestic reform proposals

Andy Burnham used his first Labour Party conference speech as prime minister to propose a closer long-term relationship with the European Union and outline major changes to pensions, social care and elections. He said Brexit had done more harm than good and promised to set out options for Britain’s future relationship with European partners, but did not announce a plan to rejoin the bloc. Burnham said the UK needed a closer relationship with its largest market and that he would present the country with options for its long-term ties to Europe. The speech did not specify which option he would support. A conclusion that his approach would ultimately lead to EU membership is an interpretation, not a policy decision announced by Burnham. On pensions, he said a Labour government elected at the next general election would end the triple lock, replacing it with an annual increase based on inflation or 2.5%, whichever was higher. He said savings would help fund a national care service, free at the point of use. Burnham also said pensioners would be exempt from income tax. The detailed design and funding arrangements for the proposed service were not set out in the speech.