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Andy Burnham urges new Prime Minister Keir Starmer to ‘move really quickly’ on Northern Powerhouse

"Deliver what the Tories said they would do, but never did."

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 9th July 2024

Andy Burnham has urged the new Prime Minister to commit early and “move really quickly” on the Northern Powerhouse.

Following on from the Labour party and Sir Keir Starmer‘s historic landslide victory at the 2024 General Election last week, bringing to an end 14 years of Conservative rule, Andy Burnham has called on the new Prime Minister to show his commitment to the North by delivering on the Northern Powerhouse scheme “really quickly”.

The Greater Manchester Mayor said during a BBC interview this past weekend that he believed Labour‘s election win could lead to a “great era for the English cities and regions”.

One of the ways the Labour Mayor, and former Labour MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017, highlighted that the new Labour Government could usher in this “great era” would be to look pick up where the Tories left off on the proposal for an extra rail line between Liverpool and Manchester – which was formerly announced back in May to improve the region’s economy and connections.

Andy Burnham has urged Keir Starmer to ‘move really quickly’ on the Northern Powerhouse / Credit: Wikimedia Commons | Rory Arnold / Number 10 (via Flickr)

Rail journeys between the two North West cities currently vary between 40 minutes and an hour, but the new proposed ‘Northern Powerhouse Rail’ link would look to reduce this to 10-15 minutes, so travellers can simply “turn up and go”.

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“Deliver what the Tories said they would do, but never did,” Mr Burnham urged the new Prime Minister during his interview with Laura Kuenssberg.

Speaking on the former BBC Political Correspondant’s current Sunday programme, Mr Burnham told Ms Kuessberg that he feels if the Prime Minister and his new Cabinet of ministers were to commit early to the Northern Powerhouse, then this could work to “lay the foundations for a second Labour term.

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He added: “If people in the North of England see change come through in a Parliament, they will stick with this Government for the long haul”.

The Greater Manchester Mayor described the new Government as a “really exciting moment”.

“We now have the chance, after lots of turbulence in recent times, to have a serious Government focused on growth and delivery, without all of the psychodramas of the past Tory years,” Mr Burnham concluded.

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As well as calling for a commitment to delivering the Northern Powerhouse rail link, Mr Burnham also declared during his BBC interview that he wants to work with the new Labour Government to build 1.5 million new homes in Greater Manchester.

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He also discussed the need to address rising poverty across the North West region.

Featured Image – Sky News

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Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.

The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.

Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.

But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.

A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace. 

“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. 

“We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.”

The club itself added in a statement: “He will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.

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“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”

Featured Image – Manchester United (via X)

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Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Advice issued as 'quademic' of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, Brittany Colette

People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.

Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.

The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.

So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.

Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.

The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.

Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.

“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.

“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”

Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”

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Featured image: Unsplash, Brittany Colette

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