PM’s gilt trip
ANDY Burnham’s first proper day as Prime Minister brought less-than-fond memories of Labour U-turns past, a worrying grasp of the present — and a nightmare vision for the future.
Before the new PM even got a chance to address MPs for the first time since seizing power, the victim of his leadership coup had delivered one more signature reverse ferret.
Sir Keir Starmer, who pledged only weeks ago to stay on as an MP, announced he was quitting for good.
His unwelcome parting gift leaves Burnham facing a by-election headache against Zack Polanski’s Greens.
But far worse for voters was the markets’ reaction to Burnham’s economic fantasy of wielding more Socialist state control to bring down the cost of living.
A global debt sell-off had already sparked a frenzy among bond traders.
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But spooked by Britain’s unsustainable debt — fuelled by ballooning welfare payments — they delivered a uniquely bad punishment beating to us.
It sent the cost of Government borrowing to 5.89 per cent, the highest since 1998 and way beyond the rates which led Liz Truss to resign after her 2022 mini-Budget shambles.
That blows a hole in Chancellor John Healey’s Budget plans — including urgent demands for more defence cash.
It is madness — as the threat of a debt-fuelled global financial crisis grows by the day — for Burnham’s only answer to be MORE borrowing to fund MORE out-of-control spending.
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His words yesterday about delivering “hope” will be rendered utterly meaningless if a lurch to the Left plunges us all into recession.
Chagos chaos
IN a staggering decision slipped out, the Government confirmed the PM plans to resurrect Keir Starmer’s insane plan to give away the Chagos Islands.
Billions will be paid to Mauritius for the privilege of losing a key strategic territory — and all the cash will come from the already hopelessly inadequate defence budget.
Donald Trump’s ire over Starmer’s craven surrender of the islands led to the plans being halted earlier this year.
But it is crazy for Burnham to once again infuriate our US allies and wantonly damage UK security in the process.
Cry Freeview
FREE to air TV is a vital lifeline for the elderly and poorer households who cannot afford costly broadband and subscriptions.
It also remains a key security tool for Government information in the event of a catastrophic internet outage.
That’s why ministers must listen to MPs from all sides demanding a planned switch-off in 2034 is delayed.