Andy Burnham is a magician… but we need more than that, writes David Williamson (Image: Leon Neal/Press Association)

Misdirection is among the most important skills in a stage magician’s repertoire and Andy Burnham has it in spades. The Labour leader is a master at creating the illusion of activity. He is waving the EU flag and working Rejoiners into a euphoric frenzy as he fills them with hope he is the Brexit-slayer they have longed for. Meanwhile, he tantalises politicos with the promise of a 10-year plan – even though a general election is due by August 2029 and fewer than three in 10 people plan to vote Labour.

Like a Hollywood studio promoting a forthcoming blockbuster, we are promised a big speech in which he will set out long-term options for Britain’s relationship with the EU, despite the manifesto barring a return to the single market, the customs union or freedom of movement.

His meeting today (Thursday) with EU leaders in Dublin will only heighten the hype that before long Britain will have its own European Commissioner again. Mr Burnham knows his euro-posturing will enrage Brexiteers who are appalled that he talks so casually about reversing the 2016 referendum result.

These blasts will not worry the PM – it makes him look like he is that bold and radical Left-wing leader socialists in the Labour party have dreamed about – Clement Attlee reborn in the era of Zohran Mamdani. The Prime Minister is staging such theatrics while crises are unfolding with the potential to shatter national security and worsen Britain’s economic woes and the country’s lack of true clout is glaring.

The Ukraine war is racing towards its fifth anniversary but the foundations of a deal are not being thrashed at the United Nations, where the UK still has a permanent seat on the security council. Instead, President Trump’s emissaries wrangle for a breakthrough in locations such as Abu Dhabi. The UK was at the heart of engineering the 1994 deal – under which Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in exchange for promises its borders would be respected – which Vladimir Putin so flagrantly flouted.

We will put on a magnificent display of soft power in support of Ukraine if Volodymyr Zelensky comes here on a state visit next year, but Whitehall is trying to figure out how to exercise influence in a world where the old rules of diplomacy are casually discarded. Trump did not go through the motions of seeking a UN resolution before launching his missile strikes on Iran. But the subsequent energy crisis and yet another hike in the cost of living have unleashed pain across Britain.

It is uncomfortable for a once-mighty Britain to face immediate risks – as the US removal of aircraft from RAF Mildenhall signals – but lack decisive power. Last month’s Budget failed to provide a clear path for how military spending will increase to 3.5%, and until national defences are restored the country will struggle to deter threats.

In an age when Britain has cycled through seven prime ministers in a decade, PMs are focused on surviving from one day to next. We should not expect a change of approach in Downing Street; Labour’s six-point poll lead over the Conservatives suggests Mr Burnham’s showmanship is working, but the country needs more than end of the pier magic to thrive.

Sir Paul McCartney has reportedly joined the ranks of billionaires (Image: Getty)

Sir Paul McCartney may well be the planet’s most popular billionaire, with Forbes confirming he has passed this milestone of wealth. When shadowy figures in the tech sector enter the billionaire club, people worry about the hidden power they wield on our lives. But Macca made his multi-millions by transforming the lyrical and melodic possibilities of the pop song, and he deserves respect for his battles to secure the lucrative rights to his iconic works. He is a less mysterious figure than the likes of John Lennon, Bob Dylan or Brian Wilson but his contribution to global culture is no less immense. Peter Jackson’s 468-minute documentary on the making of Let It Be is revelatory.

It shows a young man shouldering responsibility for a commercial empire and the expectations of fans, while trying to hold together a brilliant but fractious band and somehow create songs of timeless power without collapsing under the pressures of near-unprecedented fame. This lad in his twenties triumphed. The nation will not begrudge Sir Paul his success. It couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

My new addiction – gardening

Grandparents who live for moments of sunlight when they can get to work in the garden have more in common with video game-crazed kids than they realise. I’ve been on a post-drought garden rescue mission this autumn, having previously had ultra-minimal experience with a trowel. The excitement of trying to lay bags of compost and plant bulbs before darkness falls is so intense – and gardening is unquestionably addictive.

Just when I think the project is finished, when I’ve uprooted a bramble-ridden interloper, a new horizon opens up and I start thinking about installing honeysuckle. How can I tell my primary school-age son to halt his valiant efforts to progress through the levels of games when I’m wrestling with ivy in the half-light?

The late Arthur Barraclough, and, left, as a young soldier (Image: Courtesy Barraclough Family)

Nigel Farage’s extraordinary skills as a storyteller are on display in his hugely moving, non-party political documentary about the First World War, We Will Remember Them. After a screening of the film, he described the heroism of Arthur Barraclough who went “over the top” six times and yet lived until 2004.

Each time, before leaving the trench, he would pray: “Dear God, I am going into grave danger. Please help me to act like a man and come back safe.” Such humble heroism and phenomenal bravery is the greatness of Britain. We remember the likes of Barraclough with wonder and thanks.

Women need trie freedom from male criminals

Years ago, my wife and I were driving through the countryside with a wonderful older woman, who was probably in her late seventies, when we passed a man hiking alone. “I wish I could do that,” she said. She was adventurous and well-travelled but had accepted throughout her life that women face dangers most men never think about.

Revelations about sexual predators who lived in the spotlight make headlines and there is growing horror that blatant harassment has been tolerated for so long in our society; violence and discrimination against women blights our planet. No one has true freedom if they live in fear. The workings of justice must result in more than high-profile offenders being failed – it is time for true emancipation.

Britain Needs More Than Andy Burnham’s End-of-the-Pier Show Conjuring Tricks

Andy Burnham is facing growing criticism over his political strategy, with opponents accusing him of offering ambitious promises and political performances instead of convincing solutions to Britain’s economic problems. His latest efforts to promote closer relations with the European Union have raised questions about whether the government is concentrating on the country’s real priorities or becoming distracted by its long-term political ambitions.

The Prime Minister has presented closer cooperation with Brussels as an opportunity to improve Britain’s economic prospects. However, critics argue that the public needs more than optimistic speeches and promises of a brighter future. They want practical policies that address rising living costs, expensive energy, housing shortages and the pressures facing public services.

At the centre of the controversy is Burnham’s determination to rebuild Britain’s relationship with the EU. He believes that closer economic cooperation could reduce trade barriers, improve business confidence and create opportunities for British exporters. Supporters argue that Brexit created unnecessary complications for companies trading with European markets and that the government should take practical steps to remove them.

However, the political consequences of this approach cannot be ignored. Brexit was a defining moment in British history, and millions of people voted to leave because they wanted greater national control over legislation, immigration and economic policy.

Critics fear that Burnham’s proposed agreements could gradually reverse important aspects of Brexit without a proper national debate. Regulatory alignment, financial contributions and potential arrangements involving youth mobility have all raised questions about how much influence European institutions could regain over British affairs.

The government insists that closer cooperation does not mean automatically rejoining the EU. Nevertheless, Burnham must explain exactly what his proposals involve and what responsibilities Britain would accept in exchange for improved access to European markets.

There is also the question of economic performance. Britain continues to face serious structural challenges, including weak productivity, high business costs and insufficient investment in infrastructure. Although recent GDP figures have offered some encouragement, economic growth must translate into tangible improvements for ordinary households.

Families are still concerned about food prices, energy bills, mortgage payments and the affordability of housing. Workers want better wages and greater job security, while businesses need a stable economic environment in which they can invest and expand.

These problems cannot be solved through political presentation alone.

Burnham’s government must also address the difficulties facing British manufacturers. High electricity prices have placed domestic companies at a competitive disadvantage compared with some European rivals. Smaller businesses are particularly vulnerable because they have fewer resources to absorb rising operating expenses.

If the Prime Minister wants to strengthen the economy, he must explain how his policies will reduce these costs, encourage investment and protect employment. Closer relations with Europe may help, but they are not a substitute for a comprehensive domestic industrial strategy.

Immigration presents another significant challenge. The government has faced pressure to demonstrate stronger control over Britain’s borders while ensuring that essential industries can recruit the workers they need. Housing shortages, pressure on healthcare and the cost of asylum accommodation remain important public concerns.

Reform UK has attempted to capitalise on these frustrations by promising a tougher approach to immigration and government spending. The Conservatives have also challenged Labour over its record and questioned whether Burnham’s policies reflect the priorities of voters who supported Brexit.

This growing political competition means that Labour cannot rely entirely on its traditional support. Working-class communities, particularly in former industrial areas, want to see improvements in employment opportunities, public services and living standards.

Another concern is the government’s apparent preference for long-term ambitions over immediate results. Major economic strategies and international agreements may take years to produce measurable benefits. Meanwhile, households are dealing with financial pressures today.

Burnham must therefore demonstrate that his administration can deliver improvements in the present rather than simply promise that things will become better in the future.

There is nothing inherently wrong with pursuing closer relations with European neighbours. Britain and the EU share important economic, diplomatic and security interests. Cooperation can benefit both sides when agreements are transparent, balanced and supported by clear evidence.

However, the government must be honest about the compromises involved. If regulatory alignment creates additional obligations, taxpayers and businesses deserve to know what they are accepting. If an agreement requires financial contributions, ministers must explain the costs and demonstrate the expected returns.

The public should not be expected to accept complicated political arrangements simply because ministers describe them as beneficial.

Ultimately, Britain needs effective leadership, credible economic policies and measurable results. Political speeches, diplomatic appearances and ambitious promises may attract attention, but they cannot replace the difficult work of improving productivity, supporting businesses and raising living standards.

Andy Burnham has an opportunity to demonstrate that closer cooperation with Europe can serve Britain’s interests. However, he must also recognise that voters are concerned about much more than Brexit.

The country needs affordable energy, secure employment, better housing, functioning public services and an economy that provides opportunities for future generations.

The real test of Burnham’s leadership will not be how convincing his political performances appear, but whether ordinary people experience meaningful improvements in their everyday lives. Britain needs practical solutions, not political conjuring tricks.