Andy Burnham Launches UK Tour to Tackle Cost‑of‑Living, Faces Backlash Over Prison Release Plans

Downing Street says Prime Minister Andy Burnham will embark on a UK tour to roll out a package of "pro‑consumer" cost‑of‑living measures and to listen to communities as he develops a 10‑year plan for economic improvement.

No 10 emphasises the measures are intended to "give people some room to breathe" and that Burnham will also highlight proposals to support and revive high streets across the country.

A Downing Street spokesman said:

"He thinks Westminster has got used to telling people that everyday hassles – like hidden pricing and consumers being ripped off – must be accepted as part of life. He doesn't think that's right. That's why he's going to start rolling out a series of pro‑consumer cost of living measures to give people some room to breathe."

The prime minister, returning from holiday, will be in "listening mode" as he visits nations and regions to inform a long‑term plan aimed at restoring economic confidence and improving living standards.

Early Release Scheme Sparks Controversy

Alongside the tour, the government faces sustained criticism over an early release scheme for certain prisoners in England and Wales, due to begin in October. One of Burnham's first actions in office narrowed eligibility, but those convicted of manslaughter will still qualify—meaning two people convicted in the killing of PC Andrew Harper will be eligible for early release under current rules.

Relatives of PC Harper, former senior police officers and opposition figures have urged the prime minister to exclude those involved in the Harper case. Downing Street says further tightening risks creating dangerous pressure on prison capacity; that position remained unchanged on Saturday despite media reports suggesting the case might be revisited.

Political Response

Opposition parties have seized on the issue. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride accused the government of hypocrisy, saying:

"This is breathtaking hypocrisy from Burnham… they are forcing businesses to close, destroying jobs and driving up prices for the public. Meanwhile, Labour are plotting to release dangerous criminals onto our streets, leaving people feeling unsafe in their communities."

Liberal Democrat Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper called for a specific high‑street rescue plan—proposing measures such as reversing a jobs tax, an emergency VAT cut for hospitality, replacing business rates and tackling vacant shop fronts.

Reform UK's economic spokesman Robert Jenrick urged Burnham to cut green levies and energy taxes and to rule out tax rises at the Budget.

Fiscal Constraints

Major new spending is unlikely before the October Budget, with Chancellor John Healey insisting on "strong fiscal discipline" that will limit the scale of immediate interventions.

As Burnham begins his summer tour, Downing Street says the prime minister intends to combine short‑term consumer measures with listening to communities to shape longer‑term plans—while managing the political fallout from contentious criminal justice decisions.

Context: The early release scheme is part of wider efforts to manage prison populations; critics say it risks public safety in specific high‑profile cases, but ministers warn capacity limits constrain legal options.