Northern Ireland politicians urge new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to turn promises into action

UK’s new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham

Northern Ireland politicians have urged the UK’s new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to ensure his promises of change deliver tangible benefits for people across the region, with the cost of living, trade and the future of the Union among the issues they want addressed.

The calls came as the Prime Minister began his first full day in office by speaking with the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, signalling a commitment to work more closely with the devolved administrations.

Burrows: Families need to feel the difference

North Antrim MLA and Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows said people would judge the new Prime Minister not on his words, but on whether life becomes more affordable for households.

“I don’t know Andy Burnham personally, and neither do most people outside Manchester. Those in power need to reconnect with ordinary people. Time will tell what difference, if any, his premiership makes,” he said.

Mr Burrows added that confidence in politics had been eroded and that people wanted to see practical results.

“What people want more than anything right now is trust in government and a genuine sense of hope. For too long, government has felt adrift from reality. The Prime Minister talks a good talk, now let’s see delivery.

“Here in Northern Ireland, families are feeling the cost of living just as acutely as anywhere else: energy bills, public sector pay, the cost of running a business or accessing child care, and the price of a weekly shop are all straining household budgets.

“If the Prime Minister’s talk of delivery is to mean anything, it must be felt in people’s pockets here too, not just in Westminster announcements.”

He also welcomed the Prime Minister’s comments on devolution while stressing that any future changes must protect Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom.

“He speaks of greater devolution for the country, and I look forward to hearing more about that vision. But any devolution must always act in the best interests of the Union.

“I hope to work constructively with him and his government to secure the best outcomes for everyone in Northern Ireland.”

Swann sets out priorities in letter

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has also written to the new Prime Minister, congratulating him on taking office while outlining a series of priorities he believes should be addressed.

Among them are the removal of the Irish Sea border, changes to post-Brexit trading arrangements, support for Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector, long-term backing for agriculture and a pilot 10% VAT rate for the hospitality industry.

Mr Swann also called for action on steel tariffs and quotas affecting Northern Ireland businesses, reform of Troubles legacy legislation with victims placed at its centre, and welcomed the Government’s decision to abandon plans for mandatory digital identity cards.

He said he hoped to meet the Prime Minister soon to discuss the issues in greater detail.

Prime Minister pledges partnership with devolved governments

On Tuesday morning, the Prime Minister held separate calls with Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and Wales’ First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, before a joint call with Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

According to Downing Street, the Prime Minister said he wanted to build “a new politics” based on collaboration, pragmatism and finding common ground with the devolved governments.

A Downing Street spokesperson said he believed working in partnership could deliver deeper devolution across the UK while driving economic growth.

The spokesperson added that the Prime Minister remained focused on practical measures to help families with the cost of living, rather than constitutional change, and said he looked forward to visiting Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales in the near future.

New Secretary of State sets out priorities

The Government’s new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Sir Chris Bryant, also used his first day in office to set out his priorities, pledging to work with all political parties and communities while focusing on stability and economic growth.

Speaking after his appointment, Sir Chris said:

“I am really pleased to be the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. It’s certainly daunting. It comes with heavy responsibility, and I am looking forward to getting properly stuck in.

“I want to be very clear from the outset: my door will be open to all parties and all communities. We are going to work together constructively to keep building a stable, prosperous future for everyone in Northern Ireland.

“Our focus is simple: maintaining political stability, promoting economic growth, and making sure devolved government delivers for people in their everyday lives.

“We need to make sure that every young person sees an economic opportunity for themselves in Northern Ireland, and for their family. There is serious work ahead, and I am ready to get on with it.”

His comments reinforce the new Government’s emphasis on partnership with the devolved institutions, while highlighting economic opportunity and stable government as immediate priorities for Northern Ireland.

For Northern Ireland, the early exchanges highlight the issues local politicians will be pressing as the new Government begins work. Whether those priorities translate into policy—and whether households feel any difference in the months ahead—is likely to shape how the Prime Minister’s first weeks in office are judged.