Davey speech: If Burnham is serious about changing the way we do politics, my door is open

EMBARGO: 22:30 Mon 13 July

Today [Tue 14 July], at a speech to the Institute for Government, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey will challenge Andy Burnham to change the way British politics works and say that – when others in the Commons and Lords try to block change – his door is open to help make it happen.

Ed Davey is expected to say:

“If Andy Burnham is serious about changing the way we do politics –

“About ending the performative hostility and instead working across parliament to meet the challenges we face –

“If he is serious, then my door is open.”

On our broken political system he will say:

“Our broken political system is the reason why so much in our country isn’t working the way it should, and why it never seems to get fixed.

“It’s why water companies are getting away with polluting our environment with their filthy sewage. And why big banks and fossil fuel companies make record profits while everyone else struggles.

“It’s why the social care crisis never gets fixed and the NHS suffers as a result. And why we can’t build the affordable homes we need, in the places that need them.

“It’s why our immigration system is such a mess, and why our relationship with Europe is so badly broken.

“It really matters for solving the problems that ordinary people face every day. It cannot be ignored.

“Because the best way to make any of those things happen is to put real power in people’s hands – and to hold the already powerful properly to account.”

Challenging the incoming Prime Minister to introduce Proportional Representation, Davey will say:

“So my challenge to Andy Burnham – as he makes the critical decision about what kind of Prime Minister he wants to be – is this:

“Be bold. Be brave.

“Fix the broken electoral system by introducing proportional representation. To give everyone an equal vote and an equal voice in our democracy, and make sure no politician or political party can afford to take them for granted.

“And do it now. Don’t wait until it is too late. Don’t wait until after the next election – when you might be powerless to do anything about it.”

ENDS