New Delhi, July 21: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham officially took office on Monday, Indian time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on his new role and stressed the importance of deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UK. He noted that the implementation of CETA this month would further strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.
Modi expressed his congratulations on social media platform X, stating, “Heartfelt congratulations to Andy Burnham on assuming office as Prime Minister of the UK. India and the UK are connected by shared democratic values and engage in extensive cooperation in trade, investment, technology, defense, and people-to-people relations. The implementation of CETA this month will enhance our bilateral partnership.”
He also expressed his eagerness to work with Burnham to deepen the India-UK comprehensive partnership and advance the shared Vision 2035.
In his first address after taking office, Burnham committed to restoring political stability in the country and implementing significant reforms in governance. He acknowledged that the frequent changes in Prime Ministers over the past decade have eroded public trust in politics, emphasizing that leaders must now perform better.
Speaking outside 10 Downing Street after returning from Buckingham Palace, Burnham remarked, “I fully realize that I am the sixth person to come to power in this corridor over the past ten years and the seventh Prime Minister since 2016. This is a time for introspection and renewed resolve.”
He stated that leaders of his generation must fulfill their responsibilities more effectively.
Burnham asserted, “Britain must demonstrate to the world that we can regain political stability. People have become disillusioned with politics. I hear their concerns and honestly acknowledge that we have not done as well as we should have. Now we must do better.”
He described his government as a “circuit breaker” for the UK, promising to implement the most significant changes in the country in the last 40 years. According to him, Britain needs a new political and economic model.
Referring to the 1980s, Burnham noted, “Some decisions made during that era led to excessive centralization of political power, privatization of economic control, and the decline of many industrial sectors in the country. As a result, many areas still struggle with underdevelopment.”
He pledged that his government would decentralize power and extend decision-making authority to every region of the country. Additionally, essential public services would be made more affordable by bringing them under stronger public control.
To alleviate rising inflation, Burnham announced that his government would unveil several initiatives starting Tuesday, along with a financing plan for these programs.
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KK/AS
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