Andy Burnham's first week launches No10 North, tackles migrant influx and social care

Prime Minister Andy Burnham opened a new No10 North office in Manchester, branding it a "nerve centre" for a rewired Britain. The move was denounced by designer Jeff Banks as a "vanity project" and by opposition figures as a political stunt. Within days, a record‑size migrant boat carrying about 165 people arrived in Dover, prompting criticism that the new government has remained silent on the small‑boat crisis.

Burnham pledged a series of domestic measures: ending rough sleeping, cutting bus fares to a £2 cap, reducing VAT on household electricity, and offering a 20 % business‑rates cut for pubs, clubs and live‑music venues. He announced plans to reform adult social care, proposing a National Care Service modeled on the NHS and hinting at a 10 % care levy on assets to fund it, though opponents have asked where the money will come from.

Charities have called for a dedicated homelessness unit to coordinate the government's rough‑sleeping agenda after data showed a rise in rough sleepers, including a 59 % surge in Liverpool. Burnham also signalled a domestic‑focused agenda, downplaying foreign trips in favour of tackling the cost‑of‑living crisis and regional devolution.

The new prime minister faces pressure to finance these initiatives while addressing the migrant influx and mounting housing shortages.