Press Story

Responding to Andy Burnham’s speech Harry Quilter-Pinner, executive director at IPPR, said:

“Andy Burnham is right to put rebalancing Britain at the heart of his agenda. The UK's concentration of power and opportunity in Westminster has held back growth, productivity and living standards for too long. This is a problem for London – blighted by overcrowding and house price inflation – as much as it is for the North and Midlands.

“Labour is also right to reassure the markets by sticking to the fiscal rules. But fiscal discipline should not be confused with a lack of ambition. The government can still pursue a radical agenda by increasing investment, reforming the state and devolving real power over areas like skills, transport and local finances.

“The real test now is delivery. This is an opportunity to reshape how Britain is governed and how the economy works, but it will require bold action from day one to turn today's ambition into lasting change.”

ENDS

Harry Quilter-Pinner is available for interview

CONTACT

Rosie Okumbe, digital and media officer: 07825 185421 r.okumbe@ippr.org

NOTES TO EDITORS

IPPR is the UK’s most influential think tank, with alumni in Downing Street, the cabinet and parliament. We are the ideas factory behind many of the current government’s flagship policies, including changes to fiscal rules, the creation of a National Wealth Fund, GB Energy, devolution, and reforms to the NHS. IPPR is an independent charity which has seconded staff to government departments including DHSC and DESNZ to support ministers on crucial policies such as the 10-year health plan and the industrial strategy: www.ippr.org