Rachel Reeves mapped an agenda Andy Burnham’s government may now follow

Reeves argues for Europe

In a forthcoming speech, Reeves will say ministers could not doubt her view that Brexit caused damage. She will also express the belief that the UK should one day return to the EU.

Reeves will argue that economic interests, shared values and geography point towards Europe. She will praise Burnham for confronting what she calls reality, while Burnham has said Britain should make the most of its current position.

A regional agenda takes shape

Reeves has argued that Britain’s major cities outside London lag behind comparable European cities. She has also called for regions to be freed from what she describes as restrictive Whitehall thinking.

A central policy proposal in her speech is to give regional leaders a share of national taxes, which she says have long been assigned by central government. The article says this approach closely resembles Burnham’s agenda.

Investment and difficult choices

Reeves’s growth strategy centres on investment. She raised employers’ national insurance as part of that approach, and funding is now going towards NHS infrastructure, roads, housing, rail improvements, energy and industry.

In a Harvard speech this week, Reeves is expected to argue that moving to investment-led growth required sacrifices. She will say a government led by Keir Starmer did not persuade the public to support them.

Credit and uncertainty ahead

The article notes that Reeves will not blame Starmer personally for the government’s difficulties, although others have done so. It also warns that further international turmoil could undermine the agenda. If Burnham’s government succeeds on public services, Europe, devolution and growth, Reeves may be able to claim some credit for ideas that helped set its course.