politics
Labour MP Graham Stringer says Andy Burnham has avoided questions from MPs and journalists
Labour MP Graham Stringer told GB News that Andy Burnham has not permitted questions from Labour MPs or journalists. Stringer also cited estimates of more than £250 billion in costs tied to Burnham's pledges and an inherited fiscal gap.
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Graham Stringer, the Labour MP for Makerfield, told GB News that Andy Burnham has not allowed Labour MPs and journalists to ask him questions. Stringer said Burnham's pledges and an inherited black hole are estimated to cost British taxpayers more than £250 billion.
He noted Burnham is considering reversal of the National Insurance Contributions tax changes at an annual cost of £16 billion to £25 billion.
Burnham has also pledged to nationalise water companies, a step Whitehall estimated would require £100 billion. Stringer stated he has not spoken with Burnham since before the Makerfield by-election and knows of no plan for a parliamentary meeting where MPs could question him. He added that Burnham has avoided a general election and appears set to avoid an internal Labour Party election.
"I'd feel more confident if he would let journalists and Labour MPs and the world ask him questions," Stringer said. He also said Burnham has not yet made his maiden speech in the House of Commons. Stringer described Burnham as optimistic but noted contradictions in his statements, including on procurement policy and European Union membership.
