Burnham gambles that Reform UK threat is overblown, Express claims

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 5 Nov, 15:14 · Archive

The Prime Minister is governing as if Reform UK does not pose a significant threat to Labour's heartland constituencies, the Daily Express reports.

The Daily Express reports that Andy Burnham is governing as if Reform UK does not pose a mortal threat to Labour, despite analysis in September by More in Common finding Reform is on course to take 95 seats from Labour. At his recent conference speech, Burnham mentioned 'reform' six times but only in the context of social care, energy markets and electoral systems, avoiding giving the insurgent party publicity.

The outlet claims the Prime Minister is simultaneously pursuing policies that could undermine Labour's position. At the forthcoming EU-UK summit in Brussels, Burnham is expected to agree rules on food standards to avoid customs checks. The Express argues this amounts to moving Britain closer to the EU while refusing to ask the country whether it wants him in charge, suggesting this represents what Labour wanted 'all along'.

The Express also notes that despite pressure to invest in the armed forces and reports of growing threats from Russia, Burnham refuses to be rushed into upgrading the military. The outlet portrays this combination of downplaying Reform while pursuing EU alignment as a dangerous miscalculation that will ultimately backfire on the Prime Minister.

How it is being reported

• What can Andy Burnham learn from the ‘blue wave’ in the US? – podcastAs Donald Trump licks his wounds from a bruising set of midterm election results, the UK will look nervously to what he might do on the international stage in order to cement his legacy. Plus, Pippa and Kiran discuss what lessons Labour can take from the Democrats, and ask if they in turn can learn from Andy Burnham’s rise to power Continue reading...The Guardian · 5 Nov, 14:35
• Andy Burnham is about to fall head first into the EU's trap - he's totally cluelessThe unelected PM is leading Britain in a ridiculous Hokey Cokey, which will ultimately lead to a Brexit betrayal - it is what Labour wanted all along, writes Giles Sheldrick.Daily Express · 5 Nov, 09:47
• Andy Burnham's high-stakes gamble on Nigel Farage is about to blow up in his faceAndy Burnham's Labour has torn tough immigration plans and wants to push the UK back towards Brussels - the PM is living as if Reform UK is not a giant threatDaily Express · 4 Nov, 16:58

In this story: Andy Burnham · Nigel Farage · Reform UK · Labour · European Union

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