In the most significant week in UK politics since the general election, Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation. Andy Burnham is all but confirmed as the next Prime Minister and is set to take office on Friday 17 July.
We are now in the legacy-building era of the Starmer Government, and this week’s lesser-reported events in Parliament have indicated what may change under Burnham and what might be seen through before his government takes over.
Social care shift expected
Baroness Casey and Care Minister Stephen Kinncok appeared before the Health and Social Care Committee this week to discuss the former’s commission into social care.
In the first session, Baroness Casey explained that, if Andy Burnham desires, her commission could expedite its work. She emphasised that the final report is expected “by” 2028, allowing for flexibility on publication.
This is something Burnham has indicated previously, when he told The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar earlier this month that he would like to see the report published by the end of this year, with a focus on measures that could be implemented quickly.
There may be some conflict here with Casey, who has made clear that her commission is seeking to find long-term solutions for the social care system.
However, the overall mood music suggests that things are likely to move more quickly under a Burnham government, as Kinnock told the Committee that he disagreed with the Prime Minister and Chancellor over the 2028 deadline.
National Security Bill to be fast-tracked through the Lords
The House of Lords has agreed to accelerate the National Security (State Threats) Bill’s passage to allow it to complete all remaining stages in one sitting day, rather than being spread across multiple days.
This means that the Committee Stage, Report Stage, and Third Reading will all happen on 30 June, with the Lords having also agreed to prevent any further amendments at Third Reading. This mirrors that passage of the Bill in the Commons, which completed all of its stages in a single day.
The Bill will therefore likely be completed and given Royal Assent before the end of Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership, allowing him to follow through on one final piece of legislation.
DIP controversy continues
Speculation continued this week as to whether the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will be published under Starmer.
Currently, it looks like Downing Street is pushing for this to be the case, which is said to be against the wishes of Burnham, who wants to take a look himself before publication. Starmer is arguing that while he will not make any new major policy announcements or spending commitments as PM, the DIP is an existing commitment, allowing for publication.
Assuming publication occurs under this Government, it is then to be seen if Burnham will seek to make any alterations or provide further funding.
Farming Roadmap launched
The Government has also launched a 25-year Farming Roadmap this week, aimed at giving English farmers long-term certainty.
£53 million of additional funding for farming innovation has been announced, and seasonal worker visas will be extended until at least 2030. Provisions are also set out for supply chain protections and a Farmer Collaboration Fund.
After Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds set these measures out to the Commons, Shadow Secretary Victoria Atkins responded with a broader criticism of the Government’s record on farming and rural affairs.
She also implied that the forthcoming change in government could lead to the Roadmap being shelved, though there is no indication that Burnham has any plans to change course on farming policy.
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