'A circuit-breaker moment': Watch Andy Burnham's first speech as PM in full
BBC News 2026-07-20 12:21:31
Context: Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, delivered his first speech as Prime Minister outside 10 Downing Street, promising to give the public "more breathing room" and unveiling a new 10-year plan for Britain by the end of the year. He also announced his first instruction as Prime Minister would be to end rough sleeping, a move met with cheers from his supporters gathered outside Downing Street. This comes after Sir Keir Starmer, Burnham's predecessor, gave a farewell speech in the same spot before formally resigning to the King.
Key Facts
- Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, gave his first speech as Prime Minister outside No 10 Downing Street, marking his transition into the role.
- In his speech, Burnham promised to give the public "more breathing room" and announced a new 10-year plan for Britain to be set out by the end of this year.
- Burnham's first instruction as Prime Minister was to end rough sleeping, a move that was met with cheers from his supporters who had gathered outside Downing Street.
- Sir Keir Starmer, Burnham's predecessor, gave a farewell speech in the same spot outside Downing Street before formally offering his resignation to the King.
- The speech by Burnham included a commitment to tackle key issues, with rough sleeping being a priority, as he begins his tenure as Prime Minister.