by Zhao Jiasong
LONDON, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham's first 100 days in office, which fell on Tuesday, have seen him put forward plans to devolve more power to the regions, reconsider Brexit, and pursue a more independent foreign policy.
Since taking office on July 20, the former mayor of Greater Manchester has helped the Labour Party recover from the stark drop in popularity it experienced under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
An analysis of polling data by the Press Association shows that Labour's average support has risen by around 10 percentage points compared with the period immediately before Starmer announced his resignation in June.
Nevertheless, Burnham faces growing pressure to turn his proposals into results, with constitutional tensions, the legacy of Brexit and disagreements with Washington testing his government.
DEVOLUTION UNDER PRESSURE FROM NATIONALISTS
Devolution has been central to Burnham's political agenda. After nearly a decade as mayor of Greater Manchester, he has brought his approach to regional governance into Downing Street.
Just three days after becoming prime minister, Burnham opened "Number 10 North" in Manchester, a government office intended to give regional development a greater role in national decision-making.
He also revived the National Economic Council, bringing together ministers and regional leaders to discuss investment and economic growth. His government has proposed giving local authorities greater powers over skills training, employment support and taxation.
Ian Scott, an academic at the University of Manchester, told Xinhua that the establishment of Number 10 North carries "considerable symbolic importance." However, questions remain over "how much decision-making power would actually move away from London."
He added that Manchester's experience, built over years of cooperation between local authorities and central government, could not easily be reproduced elsewhere.
Burnham's plans are also under pressure from nationalist parties in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
On Sept. 14, leaders of the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Fein met in Cardiff and signed an agreement calling on the British government to prepare for constitutional change. The parties support Scottish independence, Welsh independence and Irish reunification, respectively.
Jennifer Todd, a political scientist at University College Dublin, said the meeting was "largely symbolic," given the different political circumstances and objectives of the three parties. She noted that Brexit had increased discussion of Irish reunification, though public attitudes remain complex.
Nevertheless, the meeting showed that nationalist parties are seeking closer cooperation as Burnham prepares to transfer more powers from Westminster. His government now faces demands for greater autonomy from parties that ultimately want to leave the United Kingdom (UK).
REOPENING DEBATE OVER EU RELATIONS
Burnham has also taken a different approach from his predecessor on Britain's future relationship with the European Union (EU), suggesting that the country should consider closer integration with the bloc.
In an interview with The Sunday Times published over the weekend, Burnham said Britain needed an "honest discussion" about restoring free movement with the EU.
He argued that immigration patterns have changed since Brexit, with more migrants settling permanently in Britain rather than moving between countries for temporary employment.
In the near-term, Burnham raised the possibility of Britain rejoining the EU single market or customs union, while in the longer-term, returning to the EU itself could be considered. The leader acknowledged that rejoining the bloc would require another referendum, while other arrangements might not.
The BBC reported on Tuesday that Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said British officials would discuss possible future arrangements with their EU counterparts, including free movement, ahead of a summit on Nov. 20.
For now, the government is concentrating on agreements covering food trade, emissions trading and youth mobility. Burnham has pledged to respect Labour's 2024 election manifesto, which ruled out a return to the single market, customs union or free movement during the current parliamentary term.
His comments have drawn criticism from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who accused him of betraying the Brexit vote. Some Labour lawmakers also fear that reopening the debate could alienate voters in constituencies that supported leaving the EU.
Britain continues to face trade barriers following Brexit, while businesses have called for closer economic cooperation with Europe. Burnham's challenge is to persuade voters that a new relationship would bring economic benefits without reviving the divisions that have shaped British politics for a decade.
UKRAINE, PALESTINE AND RELATIONS WITH WASHINGTON
In foreign policy, Burnham has continued Britain's support for Ukraine, while taking positions that at times differ from those of the United States.
On Aug. 24, he chose Kyiv for his first overseas visit as prime minister, where he reaffirmed Britain's commitment to military and political support for the country.
Differences with Washington became more apparent this month after restrictions on Ukraine's access to the Starlink satellite communications system raised concerns over Kyiv's ability to defend itself against Russian attacks.
During a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Oct. 23, Burnham stressed the importance of Ukraine having full access to Starlink.
He also acknowledged Trump's efforts to bring Russia to the negotiating table. The two leaders agreed to work with international partners towards ending the conflict.
Regarding Palestine, Burnham has supported stronger measures against Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
In September, Britain, France and Canada announced plans to ban imports of goods from Israeli settlements and impose targeted measures against those involved in settlement expansion. The three governments said such actions were necessary to protect the prospects of a two-state solution.
These measures drew criticism from Israel and the United States, pointing to differences between Britain and its allies over the Israel-Palestine conflict. ■