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Andy Burnham outlines devolution, defence, and climate plans in Commons debut as prime minister

Six weeks after taking office, the prime minister answered MPs' questions and set out his domestic and international priorities.

Updated Sep 2, 2026 · 18:11 UTC1 reports

The short version

Prime Minister Andy Burnham made his first parliamentary appearance answering MPs' questions six weeks after taking office from Sir Keir Starmer.[BBC News]
Burnham outlined plans to advance local devolution, starting with discussions on a deal for Cornwall, and confirmed plans to introduce a Commonhold and Leasehold Bill this session.[BBC News]
The prime minister confirmed he will attend the COP31 climate summit in Turkey this November, while a timeline to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP remains slated for the spring spending review.[BBC News]
Hours before the Commons statement, former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as MP for Holborn and St Pancras.[BBC News]

Andy Burnham took questions in the House of Commons as prime minister for the first time, six weeks after taking over from Sir Keir Starmer.[BBC News]
Burnham announced ongoing work on a devolution arrangement with Cornwall Council and its six MPs, with or without an elected mayor.[BBC News]
Burnham confirmed he will travel to Antalya, Turkey, to attend the COP31 climate summit in November.[BBC News]
The government plans to introduce a Commonhold and Leasehold Bill during the current parliamentary session.[BBC News]
Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras hours before Burnham's statement.[BBC News]

The precise target date for increasing UK defence spending to 3% of GDP remains unconfirmed until the next government spending review expected in spring.[BBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.