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

An Essay on Political Showmanship, Government Priorities and Britain’s National Challenges

Britain is facing a period of considerable political, economic and international uncertainty. The country needs effective leadership, clear policies and practical solutions to the problems affecting ordinary citizens. However, political communication and public relations increasingly appear to dominate the national debate. The controversy surrounding Andy Burnham’s political style raises an important question: does Britain need another politician who is skilled at attracting attention, or does it need a leader capable of delivering meaningful change?

The headline, “Britain Needs More Than Andy Burnham’s End-of-the-Pier Show Conjuring Tricks”, uses theatrical imagery to criticise what its author regards as political showmanship. The expression suggests that political announcements, entertaining performances and carefully managed publicity can create an illusion of progress without necessarily producing substantial results.

This criticism deserves examination because Britain’s problems are considerably more complicated than any political performance can suggest.

1. The Politics of Showmanship

Andy Burnham has developed a distinctive political image. His communication style is often presented as more approachable and engaging than traditional Westminster politics. He frequently speaks about ordinary people’s experiences and attempts to connect national political questions with everyday concerns.

His supporters may see this approach as an effective way of reconnecting politicians with the public. However, critics argue that popularity and communication skills should not be confused with the ability to govern a major industrialised economy.

A politician can deliver impressive speeches, make attractive announcements and generate favourable headlines without necessarily providing detailed solutions.

This distinction is particularly important when discussing long-term economic growth, public finances, immigration, healthcare and national security.

An effective government must explain not only what it wants to achieve but also how it intends to achieve it, how much its policies will cost and what measurable results citizens can expect.

The criticism of Burnham’s political style therefore raises a wider question about modern democracy: are voters receiving substantial policy programmes or simply being offered attractive political performances?

2. Britain’s Relationship with Europe

One of the major issues discussed in the November 2026 commentary is Britain’s future relationship with the European Union.

Brexit remains one of the most significant political and economic decisions in modern British history. Supporters of closer European integration argue that stronger cooperation could improve trade, investment and diplomatic influence.

Others believe that reversing important aspects of Brexit would undermine the democratic decision made in the 2016 referendum.

Burnham’s apparent interest in discussing closer relations with Europe has therefore generated considerable debate.

However, Britain needs a clear and realistic European strategy rather than political slogans. Any proposed changes should explain their economic benefits, legal implications and relationship with the commitments made during previous elections.

The central question should be how Britain can improve its international competitiveness while respecting democratic accountability.

3. Economic Problems and the Cost of Living

Perhaps the most immediate challenge facing British households is the cost of living.

High housing costs, expensive energy, pressure on public services and uncertainty about employment continue to influence the lives of millions of people.

For families struggling to pay their bills, political speeches about long-term national ambitions may seem disconnected from their daily experiences.

The government must therefore concentrate on policies that improve living standards.

These include encouraging investment, increasing productivity, improving infrastructure, supporting businesses and ensuring that workers have access to appropriate skills and training.

Britain also needs a credible approach to public spending. Promising improvements to every public service without explaining how they will be financed risks creating unrealistic expectations.

Economic policy should be judged by measurable outcomes, including real wage growth, employment opportunities, productivity and household financial security.

4. National Security and Britain’s International Influence

Another important concern raised by the article is Britain’s position in an increasingly unstable international environment.

The war in Ukraine, tensions involving Iran and the changing priorities of the United States demonstrate that international security cannot be taken for granted.

Britain remains an important member of NATO and holds a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. These positions provide diplomatic influence, but they also create responsibilities.

The government must maintain credible defence capabilities, strengthen international partnerships and ensure that the armed forces have the equipment and resources required to fulfil their responsibilities.

Diplomatic influence also requires consistency. Britain cannot expect other countries to take its position seriously if its foreign policy changes unpredictably with domestic political developments.

The country needs a long-term national security strategy that extends beyond the political ambitions of individual leaders.

5. The Importance of Real Leadership

The wider criticism of Burnham is not simply about his personality or presentation. It concerns the difference between political popularity and practical achievements.

Communication is an essential part of democratic leadership. Politicians must explain difficult decisions, listen to public concerns and persuade citizens to support necessary reforms.

However, communication cannot replace competence, accountability or effective administration.

A successful government needs clear priorities, realistic financial planning and the ability to implement policies across different departments.

It must also be prepared to acknowledge mistakes rather than constantly presenting new announcements as evidence of success.

The public should be able to evaluate political leaders through evidence: whether waiting lists have fallen, whether economic opportunities have improved, whether public finances are sustainable and whether national security has been strengthened.

These indicators are more meaningful than speeches, slogans or carefully staged political events.

6. Britain Needs Long-Term Solutions

The country faces several interconnected challenges that require consistent attention.

First, the government must strengthen economic growth and create an environment in which businesses can invest and expand.

Second, the National Health Service needs sustainable funding, better workforce planning and improvements in productivity.

Third, Britain must address housing shortages and ensure that younger generations have realistic opportunities to own or rent suitable homes.

Fourth, education and vocational training must prepare young people for changes in technology and the modern labour market.

Finally, the government must restore confidence in public institutions through transparency, responsible spending and effective leadership.

None of these challenges can be solved through a single announcement or a dramatic political performance.

They require detailed planning, difficult decisions and a willingness to measure success honestly.

Conclusion

The argument that Britain needs more than Andy Burnham’s end-of-the-pier show conjuring tricks reflects a broader frustration with political presentation replacing substantive policy.

Burnham’s communication skills and political appeal are important aspects of his public profile, but they cannot alone determine whether his policies will succeed.

Britain needs economic stability, stronger public services, credible national defence, constructive international relationships and a government capable of delivering measurable improvements.

Political leaders should certainly communicate their ambitions and inspire public confidence. Nevertheless, citizens have every right to demand detailed explanations, realistic commitments and evidence of progress.

Ultimately, the future of Britain should not depend on which politician can put on the most convincing political show. It should depend on whether the government can solve difficult problems and improve people’s lives.

Britain does not simply need politicians who can promise a brighter future. It needs leaders who can explain how that future will be achieved and demonstrate, through practical results, that their promises mean something.