What time is Andy Burnham’s speech at Labour conference today?

What time is Andy Burnham’s speech at Labour conference today? The prime minister is set to rally against ‘politics-as-usual’ in his address - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Andy Burnham is set to deliver his first speech at Labour’s Annual Conference as the party’s leader today, in what will be a defining moment of his premiership. The prime minister is set to rally against “politics-as-usual” in his keynote address, setting out some of his long-term goals and further clarifying the direction of the government he has assembled. The Prime Minister will say: “We can’t carry on as we are. Politics-as-usual has taken Britain backwards. More of the same isn’t good enough and isn’t going to get us where we need to be.” Mr Burnham is set to begin speaking in Liverpool at 2pm. His address can be watched live online through The Independent’s live stream, and will be broadcast on television by most major news channels. It is expected that the state pension triple lock will come up in the speech, with reports indicating that Mr Burnham and chancellor John Healey are considering scrapping the Conservative-era measure to fund their ambitious plan for social care. The mechanism is designed to ensure the state pension keeps up with rising costs and wage growth, but some experts warn it is becoming increasingly unsustainable. In 2024/25, the government spent £138bn on the state pension, a figure that is forecast to rise by £13bn by 2029/30. Ministers have said they will stick to Labour’s 2024 manifesto commitment to retain the triple lock at least until the end of this parliament. But the party’s deputy leader Lucy Powell refused on Tuesday to say if the measure will be included in its next manifesto. One senior government source has indicated Mr Burnham will use his speech to sell the decision as “grand bargain” with pensioners, trading the triple lock for an £18bn commitment to free social care, according to The Telegraph. Several other new policy announcements are expected as part of the address, building on his early pledges around the cost of living, homelessness, and public ownership. This will mark “a more serious prospectus for Britain than people have been offered in a generation”, Mr Burnham is expected to say, adding: “I accept people will not agree with every part of it, but I believe it can turn Britain around.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments