Burnham's ratings climb but PMQs security and welfare remark draws criticism
Andy Burnham's approval ratings have risen to plus 13, but his PMQs comment that national security cannot come at the expense of social security has provoked criticism.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Andy Burnham's personal approval ratings have risen to plus 13, the highest for any prime minister since Boris Johnson, according to recent polling. The so-called 'Burnham Bounce' continues seven weeks into his premiership, with voters also saying they trust him more on the economy than they did his predecessor. But the positive mood is shadowed by serious economic pressures and a political row over his remarks at Prime Minister's Questions.
At PMQs, Burnham said that 'national security can't come at the expense of social security', a phrase that was seized on by critics. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch branded Labour 'the welfare party' and called the comment extraordinary. The Daily Mail splashed the quote on its front page, and opposition figures argued that defence must be the top priority, especially with global tensions rising.
Burnham's defenders insist he was making the point that both are important, and that he has already pledged to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, matching the commitment made by Keir Starmer. But some note that this is not a new or higher target, and that the former defence secretary resigned because Starmer would not commit to 3% by 2030. The row reflects a deeper tension: Burnham wants to raise defence spending, ease the cost of living, and take utilities into public control, but there is very little money available.
The economic backdrop is also difficult. Oil prices have risen to $100 a barrel amid conflict in Iran, inflation is climbing, and interest rates are expected to rise globally. The cost of UK government debt has risen more sharply than US debt, highlighting the vulnerability of the British economy. Burnham has acknowledged inheriting a difficult position, pointing to the IMF's assessment of a turning point after the Liz Truss government.
So far, his early policies have been popular: tax cuts for local businesses and pub landlords, a VAT cut on energy bills, more apprenticeships, and a pledge to end rough sleeping by Christmas. A budget is due in a few weeks, and many will be watching to see whether he can match his promises with credible funding. For now, Labour MPs are relieved that the gamble of changing leader is paying off, but some want reassurance that there is a plan beyond good vibes.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | GB News | ITV |
|---|---|---|
| Burnham said at PMQs that national security cannot come at the expense of social security. | ||
| Burnham addressed housing benefit cuts in the same PMQs session. | · | |
| Burnham had previously said he would cut the welfare bill, but at PMQs he said the opposite. | · | |
| Burnham has cut taxes for local businesses, cut VAT on energy bills, created apprenticeships, and pledged to get everyone off the streets by Christmas. | · | |
| Burnham pledged defence spending of 3.5% of GDP by 2035. | · | |
| Burnham's approval ratings are plus 13, the highest for any prime minister since Boris Johnson. | · | |
| Kemi Badenoch branded Burnham the 'welfare party'. | · | |
| The welfare bill is projected to rise from 330 billion to 407 billion in the next five years. | · |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
ITV1's Peston focused on the rise in Burnham's approval ratings and the economic challenges ahead, framing the PMQs comment as a potential misstep. The discussion balanced optimism about his early policies with warnings about global headwinds and the lack of money to fund his agenda.
- “Burnham Bounce is for now continuing, with his personal approval ratings at plus 13.”
- “He is prioritising welfare spending above defence spending.”
- “He has pledged defence spending to be 3.5% by 2035.”
GB News took a strongly critical line, arguing that Burnham's PMQs remark was a serious error and that national security must come first. The channel highlighted the welfare bill's rising cost and accused Burnham of saying the opposite of what he had previously promised on welfare cuts.
- “national security can't come at the expense of social security”
- “I want our Prime Minister to say national security is the top priority.”
- “It's going to balloon from 330 to 407 billion in the next five years.”
Broadcast Timeline
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