Prime Minister Andy Burnham talked about Brexit, artificial intelligence (AI), electoral reform and more in his first Leader's Speech at Labour Party Conference. Photo: Gus Campbell Photography.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has outlined his vision for a more hopeful UK in a policy-packed Leader's Speech at Labour Party Conference 2026.
In a section on Brexit, Burnham recognised that it has done "more harm than good." Acknowledging the challenges, he said a Labour Government "will work to secure gains for our British industries most harmed by Brexit." Burnham also committed to exploring a new relationship with the European Union (EU) at the UK-EU Summit later this year. The MU will continue its work to ensure that music is included in these discussions.
On artificial intelligence (AI), the Prime Minister said the UK would lead the way on "a new global code to capture its benefits whilst being clear-eyed about its risks." The MU will continue to press MPs and decision-makers on stronger copyright and personality rights to protect musicians and artists.
The Prime Minister also announced a commission on electoral reform to look at proportional representation (PR). PR has long been MU policy and successive general secretaries have spoken in support at Labour Party Conference fringe events.
Other policies announced include a much-trailed National Care Service for England, which Burnham said would be "about people, not profit." He confirmed that VAT will be removed from household electricity bills from UK households, which the Government says will save households an average of £45 a year, and announced legislation to strengthen public control of water.
An emotional speech packed with policy
Responding to Andy Burnham's speech, MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl said: "I thought his speech was inspirational. Not a dry eye among our delegation. He has bold plans for the country and it felt something we could all get behind. We needed the hopeful message and a sense of more radical change, especially around the care system, our young people and tackling the impacts of Brexit.
“At the same time, I hope his plans for the AI sector will include a plan to ensure fair remuneration for creators and a plan to protect the creative industries as a whole. The creative industries are worth over £145bn to the UK economy and are an important driver of growth. Any discussion of security has to include economic security, and any discussion of economic security must include our industry.”
“We want Andy and his plans to succeed. We look forward to working with him to deliver a brighter future for working people in the whole of the UK.”
Ending the pension triple lock
In the run up to Conference, there was speculation about whether or not the Prime Minister would change the pension triple lock.
Speaking to Sophie Ridge on Sky News earlier in the day, MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl highlighted how important the state pension was to musicians, explaining that freelancers do not have access to workplace pensions and that the cost of living crisis has made it harder for people with low incomes to save for the future. Nearly half of musicians earn under £14k a year.
In his speech, the Prime Minister said announced there would be no change in this Parliament. However, after 2030, the pension triple lock will be phased out and the state pension will "go up in line with prices, or by 2.5% each year."