UK PM Burnham's nationwide tour targets cost of living and high street revival

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will embark on a tour of the United Kingdom next week, with key announcements expected on reducing the cost of living and revitalising struggling high streets. The tour, which follows a family holiday abroad, aims to connect directly with local businesses, community groups and public sector workers across every region before September.

What is the main goal of Burnham's tour?

According to a close ally, the primary focus is 'getting out and about and meeting people'. Burnham plans to intersperse visits with work from Downing Street and the new Number 10 North campus in Manchester. The tour is designed to communicate his commitment to devolution, pushing power out to the nations and regions.

How will the government revive high streets?

Burnham is expected to announce a crackdown on what the government views as antisocial stores, particularly vape shops. This builds on his earlier policy of a business rates discount for pubs, social clubs and live music venues, funded by reviewing reliefs for businesses that do not make a positive contribution to local communities.

What other challenges does the government face?

While Burnham focuses on high streets and the cost of living, he must also address political flashpoints. Pressure is mounting to further restrict the early release of prisoners, set to begin next month to relieve severe overcrowding. Burnham has already excluded rapists and serious child sex offenders, but faces criticism over potential releases of those with manslaughter convictions, including individuals involved in the killing of policeman Andrew Harper.

Officials are also braced for further unrest linked to anti-immigration protests after violence erupted in Norfolk this week. In the market town of Thetford, a crowd attempted to storm homes of suspected asylum seekers, leading to arrests.

Has Burnham faced criticism for taking a holiday?

Burnham attracted criticism from some politicians and rightwing media for holidaying weeks after becoming prime minister. Reform MP Lee Anderson accused him of having 'bunked off for a jolly abroad', while Labour MP Graham Stringer called the move 'a mistake'. However, some backbenchers praised him. Labour MP Karl Turner said on X: 'Excellent. Well done. Confident in his own position to have a summer break with his family. There is plenty of work to greet him on his return.'

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch declined to voice disapproval, insisting 'everybody should be taking a break' during the school holidays, though she repeated criticism of Burnham for not appearing before parliament since taking office on July 20, just after the House of Commons rose for recess.

What early policies has Burnham enacted?

Burnham sought to capitalise on early momentum with a spate of new policies in his first fortnight, including a vow to end rough sleeping, a VAT cut on electricity bills, and a £2 bus fare cap in England. A Downing Street figure said the nationwide tour is partly designed to communicate his commitment to devolution: 'His government primarily is about pushing power out into the nations and regions. Using his first month in office to spend a big chunk of time doing that speaks to his ambition.'