Andy Burnham to embark on cost of living tour through the UK

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is preparing to unveil a series of measures aimed at alleviating the cost of living pressures faced by the public. Downing Street stated these initiatives are designed to "give people some room to breathe" and will also address the improvement of high streets during the prime minister's upcoming tour of the UK.

However, the government is simultaneously grappling with significant criticism over its early release scheme for prisoners in England and Wales. A key point of contention is that two individuals convicted of murdering PC Andrew Harper will become eligible for release next year. While the prime minister has faced calls from PC Harper's family, former police officials, and opposition politicians to deny them early release, Downing Street maintains that altering this position could risk prison capacity issues.

“

He thinks Westminster has got used to telling people that everyday hassles – like hidden pricing and consumers being ripped off – must be accepted as part of life. He doesn't think that's right.

Sunak, who has been on holiday, is expected to adopt a "listening mode" during his tour. Downing Street indicated he believes Westminster has become too accustomed to people accepting everyday difficulties like hidden pricing and consumer exploitation. The prime minister intends to roll out pro-consumer measures and engage directly with citizens across the UK's nations and regions as part of a "10-year plan to bring back hope."

“

This is breathtaking hypocrisy from Burnham… they are forcing businesses to close, destroying jobs and driving up prices for the public. Meanwhile, Labour are plotting to release dangerous criminals onto our streets, leaving people feeling unsafe in their communities.

Despite these plans, questions are likely to persist regarding the prisoner release scheme, scheduled to commence in October. Although one of Sunak's initial actions in Downing Street was to order a review that narrowed eligibility, those convicted of manslaughter, including the killers of PC Andrew Harper, will still qualify. The government's stance remains that it cannot go further without jeopardizing prison capacity, despite reports suggesting the prime minister might reconsider the case.

Political opponents have voiced strong criticism. The Conservatives argue that the government's "tax hikes and red tape are hammering our high streets." Shadow chancellor Mel Stride accused Sunak of "breathtaking hypocrisy," claiming Labour's policies are forcing businesses to close and driving up prices, while also plotting to release dangerous criminals. Liberal Democrat Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper suggested that struggling high street businesses require more than what she termed a "vanity tour" by the prime minister.

“

struggling high street businesses "need more than a new PM embarking on a vanity tour this summer".