Andy Burnham says his will be a ‘cost-of-living government’ in first cabinet meeting as PM – UK politics live

<p>The new prime minister said he wants his government to look at ‘all possible ways’ to help families with high costs</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/21/burnham-announces-plans-to-cut-vat-on-electricity-bills-as-first-cost-of-living-move">Burnham to cut VAT on electricity bills in first cost-of-living move</a></p></li></ul><p>António Costa, the president of the European council, said <a href="https://x.com/eucopresident/status/2079461135003119847">in a post on X</a> that he held a “good” phone call with Andy Burnham last night, in which he said they agreed to “further strengthen” EU-UK relations and continue to cooperate to support Ukraine.</p><p>He said there was also discussion about “common geopolitical challenges facing Europe”, which could be a reference to many things, including energy prices soaring due to the US-Israel war on Iran, Europe’s trading and security relationship with Washington, the future of Nato, the continent facing a wave of hybrid warfare, driven by Russia, or the surge of national populism and backlash against immigration.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/jul/21/andy-burnham-pm-labour-energy-bills-cost-of-living-cabinet-latest-news-updates">Continue reading...</a>