Burnham lists "everyday fixes" for households; critics say they miss bigger issues
Prime Minister Andy Burnham posted a list of consumer measures on Facebook, saying small fixes "add up". Right-leaning outlets report criticism from commenters and from a City A.M. columnist.
1 / 2
The story, neutrally told
Right · 1Prime Minister Andy Burnham posted on Facebook a list of what he called "everyday fixes" aimed at easing pressure on household budgets, saying that "together they all add up". Daily ExpressR “On their own, some of the everyday fixes I've announced might not seem like much. But together they all add up.” Read at Daily Express ↗ Right · 1The measures he listed were cheaper school uniforms, with a cap on the number of expensive branded items schools can require; a ban on airlines charging extra to sit with children or to correct a typo; a crackdown on cowboy builders; and an end to unfair private parking charges, with longer grace periods and lower penalties for genuine mistakes. Daily ExpressR “I'm making school uniforms cheaper - capping the number of expensive branded items schools can make you buy.”“I’m also ending unfair private parking charges, giving longer grace periods, and lower penalties for genuine mistakes.” Read at Daily Express ↗ Right · 1He also listed action on hidden charges and unreasonable management costs for leaseholders, easier subscription cancellation, and a crackdown on fake discounts. Daily ExpressR “I’m tackling hidden charges and unreasonable management costs for leaseholders. And I'm making it easier to cancel subscriptions and cracking down on fake discounts.” Read at Daily Express ↗
Right · 1Burnham acknowledged that these steps do not solve the cost of living and said he is also working on bigger issues: stronger public control of water, energy and housing, and a National Care Service. Daily ExpressR “On their own, I know these don't solve the cost of living. And there's a lot more I want to do to help.”“Like delivering stronger public control of water, energy, and housing to make the basics better for everyone, or building a National Care Service.” Read at Daily Express ↗ Right · 1He added that VAT has been taken off electricity bills and bus fares are capped at £2 across England. Daily ExpressR “We’ve also taken VAT off electricity bills, and are capping bus fares at £2 across England.” Read at Daily Express ↗ Right · 1According to the Daily Express, some followers welcomed the post, with one saying "All good stuff" and another asking how and when the ideas would be implemented, but many were unimpressed. Daily ExpressR “However while some of his followers welcomed what he was doing many were less impressed.”“Sarah added: "Good ideas. How will these be implemented and when?"” Read at Daily Express ↗
Right · 1Critics quoted by the Express said he should tackle fuel costs, council tax, income tax and GP appointments; one commenter used sarcasm about savings amounting to a takeaway, and others asked whether the account was a parody. Daily ExpressR “Dave added: "Fuel tax, Council Tax, Income Tax, why can’t we start with those?"”“Ian asked: "Genuine question…is this a parody account?"” Read at Daily Express ↗ Right · 1The Express headline quotes one commenter, a company director, who urged that someone "give this guy a wobble and remind him he's the prime minister of the United Kingdom". Daily ExpressR “Somebody please give this guy a wobble and remind him he's the prime minister of the United Kingdom!” Read at Daily Express ↗ Right · 1In a separate opinion piece, City A.M. columnist Eliot Wilson argues that Burnham strives to appear inclusive but ignores the voice of industry and defence, and that signs are emerging of a government that does not listen. City A.M.RC “Burnham strives to appear inclusive but he ignores the voice of industry and defence. Signs are emerging that this is a government which doesn’t listen at all, says Eliot Wilson” Read at City A.M. ↗
Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.
Left0 outlets
No left outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.
Centre0 outlets
No centre outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.
Right2 outlets
- Framing
- Both outlets present Burnham critically. The Daily Express reports the measures through a wave of sceptical reader comments, while City A.M. runs an opinion column saying the government does not listen to industry and defence.
- Emphasis
- The Express stresses public scepticism and sarcasm, and suggestions of bigger priorities such as fuel, income tax and GP access. City A.M. stresses a claimed failure to listen.
- Leaves out or plays down
- Neither provides government or independent analysis of the measures' cost or effect. The Express gives few positive reactions, and nothing shows how the measures are to be implemented.
- Charged language
- “come under fire”“give this guy a wobble”“doesn’t listen at all”
- For example
-
“Andy Burnham has come under fire after he set out a list of plans he said would help people save in the current cost of living crisis.” — Daily Express
“Signs are emerging that this is a government which doesn’t listen at all” — City A.M.
What every side reports
- Burnham, as Prime Minister, set out a list of consumer-focused measures.
- Both outlets present the response to Burnham critically.
Andy Burnham person
Burnham says the small fixes matter and add up, concedes they do not solve the cost of living, and says he is also pursuing bigger changes such as public control of water, energy and housing and a National Care Service.
“But they do add up, and they matter to people.” — Daily Express
“A lot done so far. But a lot to do. I'm getting on with it.” — Daily Express
Left0 articles
No coverage yet.
Centre0 articles
No coverage yet.
Right2 articles
-
Andy Burnham told 'give this guy a wobble' as he outlines changes 'that matter to people'
Critical Frames the announcement as drawing mockery and scepticism, built mainly on quoted social media comments.
-
City A.M.RC · · Opinion
Andy Burnham doesn’t losten to anyone but himself
Critical Opinion column arguing Burnham's government ignores industry and defence voices despite appearing inclusive.
- 26 Oct 10:18 First Daily ExpressR Andy Burnham told 'give this guy a wobble' as he outlines changes 'that matter to people'
- 26 Oct 10:52 +34m City A.M.RC Andy Burnham doesn’t losten to anyone but himself Opinion
Times are when each article was published, or when we first saw it if the outlet gave no time.
Ask about this story
Loading…