Farage Slams Burnham’s Devolution Plan as Britain Needs Immediate Action

Nigel Farage has savagely criticised Andy Burnham’s plan to “supercharge devolution”, questioning its effectiveness and warning it would do nothing to improve the lives of ordinary Britons. The Reform UK leader argued the country needs immediate action, not a 10-year plan for further decentralisation.

Andy Burnham, widely tipped to become the next Prime Minister, unveiled a major proposal in Manchester to enact the “biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times”. Speaking at the People’s History Museum, Mr Burnham vowed to “rewire Britain” by granting sweeping new powers to regional mayors and establishing a “No10 North”.

Burnham’s Vision for a “Rewired Britain”

Mr Burnham, the Makerfield MP, outlined a 10-year plan which he claimed would “lift Britain back up” and provide the nation with the “circuit-breaker it needs”. He asserted that Westminster has been “broken” since the 2008 financial crash, leaving the country “stuck in a rut”, and insisted that growth could “only be nurtured from the bottom up”.

His proposals include handing more power to trade unions, a move that has drawn accusations of surrendering authority to left-wing union leaders. Mr Burnham has also notably refused to call a General Election, despite previously demanding the Conservatives do so with every change of leadership.

Farage Questions Devolution’s Track Record

Ask yourself, has devolution in London with Mayor Sadiq Khan made London’s streets safer? No. Has devolution in Wales given them a better NHS or education? No, they are the worst in the country. Has devolution in Scotland cleaned up Scottish politics? Well I think the recent jailing of one of the former bosses of the SNP would say no.

— Nigel Farage, Reform UK Leader

Nigel Farage tore into Mr Burnham’s blueprint, directly challenging the premise that devolution has improved life in areas where it has already been implemented. He highlighted specific failures in London, Wales, and Scotland, arguing that decentralisation has not delivered on its promises for everyday citizens.

• Nigel Farage warned Andy Burnham’s devolution plan would not improve ordinary Britons’ lives.
• Burnham’s “No10 North” and sweeping regional powers are part of a 10-year strategy.
• Farage cited failures in London’s safety, Wales’ NHS and education, and Scotland’s politics under devolution.
• Burnham refused to take questions on his plans or how they would be funded.
• The Reform leader stated Britain is broken and needs immediate action, not a decade-long wait.

What This Means for Britain

This grand plan for a “rewired Britain” risks diverting precious resources and attention away from the immediate crises facing working families. While politicians talk of 10-year visions, your heating bill is rising, your NHS appointment is delayed, and your children’s future feels increasingly uncertain. We cannot afford another decade of political experimentation while real people suffer.

Economically, the country is already on its knees. To suggest that simply moving power around will magically fix the cost of living crisis, create jobs, or attract investment, without detailing how it will be paid for, is a dangerous fantasy. Britain needs sound economic policy and decisive action, not more bureaucratic layers.

Politically, this represents a continuation of the establishment’s failure to grasp the urgency of the moment. It’s a pattern of broken promises and a refusal to confront the immediate challenges. Mr Burnham’s refusal to call a General Election, despite his own past demands, speaks volumes about his commitment to accountability.

If this continues, Britain faces another decade of stagnation, further decline in public services, and a deepening sense of despair among its citizens. We cannot wait 10 years for change; the stakes are too high, and the country demands immediate, effective leadership now.

Share if you believe Britain deserves better than another 10-year plan for failure. Demand immediate action from your MP. This must be seen by every British voter.

Source: Daily Express | Breaking Brexit News