The Guardian view on Andy Burnham’s speech: Rewiring Britain needs Westminster to give up real power
The country’s likely next prime minister sketches a post-Thatcherite state built on radical devolution. The test is whether Whitehall yields
TL;DR
- Andy Burnham's speech suggests a potential challenge to Thatcherite policies, focusing on devolution and public control.
- His 'Rewiring Britain' plan involves local areas taking charge of whole systems, such as skills and jobs support, with accompanying funding and powers.
- The plan questions the 1980s focus on asset owners and privatized essentials, aiming to lower costs and raise living standards through public control.
- Burnham's vision includes social housing, public control, revived high streets, and an alternative operating system for the British state.
- The success of his plans depends on Whitehall relinquishing real power and ensuring all places, not just strong ones, benefit from devolution.