Andy Burnham pledges action on rough sleeping in first speech as prime minister
Britain’s new prime minister said he would move quickly on homelessness and promised a sharper style of government in his first address after taking office.
Andy Burnham used his first speech as prime minister on Monday to promise a drive to end rough sleeping in the UK and to signal a faster pace in government. He made the remarks after taking office in London.
Burnham said he wanted public life to be guided by stronger standards and values, and described his arrival in power as a turning point for the country, according to the BBC and the Guardian.
The pledge echoes a commitment he made while serving as Greater Manchester mayor, a role in which he did not succeed in eliminating rough sleeping. The new prime minister has also been described by the New York Times as set to become Britain’s first openly Roman Catholic leader.
Burnham’s speech comes as he begins setting out his priorities in Downing Street, with homelessness and the speed of government among the first issues he has chosen to highlight.
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