Burnham defends No 10 North cost, calls it a ‘north pole’ to balance ‘south pole’
9 reported
Andy Burnham has defended the cost of opening No 10 North in Manchester, telling “London-based” critics that it is better to have “a north pole that balances the south pole”. Speaking to staff at the new centre, he said it creates “a sense of a more balanced country”. Heron House is temporarily accommodating No 10 North while a brownfield site outside the city is being developed for a permanent relocation. The Guardian reported that any “No 10” buildings “could be constructed without significant cost above that already signed off by the Treasury”. However, Dai Davies, a former head of royal protection, said the Manchester base will require 24-hour protection and technical security, costing taxpayers “many millions of pounds”. Burnham described his first day at No 10 North as the “best day of my life”, adding that the centre is about “putting power in every postcode”. Separately, The Times reported that Burnham is expected to “move quickly” to scale up North Sea oil and gas production to tackle the cost of living.
What’s reported
Andy Burnham defended the cost of No 10 North in Manchester, calling it a “north pole that balances the south pole”.
Heron House is temporarily housing No 10 North; a brownfield site outside the city is being developed for permanent relocation.
The Guardian reported that any “No 10” buildings “could be constructed without significant cost above that already signed off by the Treasury”.
Former royal protection head Dai Davies said the base will require 24-hour protection and technical security, costing “many millions of pounds”.
Burnham called his first day at No 10 North the “best day of my life” and said it is about “putting power in every postcode”.
The Times reported Burnham is expected to “move quickly” to scale up North Sea oil and gas production, with a source saying an August approval would allow production by October 1.
Consumer confidence in the UK jumped in July by its biggest margin for nearly three years, with GfK citing a “Burnham bounce”, the England football team’s World Cup run, and sunny weather.
Burnham ordered an urgent review of the early prisoner release scheme after criticism from survivors and victims’ families.
Housing secretary Angela Rayner said the government is on “borrowed time if we don’t get a move on” to turn the country around.
Key figures
Andy Burnham, prime minister
Dai Davies, former head of royal protection and former divisional commander in the Metropolitan police
Jeremy Corbyn, former Labour leader and parliamentary leader of Your Party
Angela Rayner, housing secretary
Douglas Alexander, Scotland secretary
John Swinney, Scottish first minister
Rhun ap Iorwerth, Welsh first minister
Miatta Fahnbulleh, energy secretary
Imogen Dow, energy lead for Friends of the Earth
Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at GfK
Sally Jameson, junior housing minister and former prison officer
Sources: The Guardian
