Prime Minister Andy Burnham has invited Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey for talks on Wednesday to discuss cross-party social care reform in England.
Burnham emphasized that political cooperation is essential to overhaul the sector, which has faced decades of neglect.
Sir Ed Davey agreed to attend remotely from France, while Kemi Badenoch sent shadow health secretary Stuart Andrew in her place due to scheduling conflicts.
Burnham did not invite leaders of Reform UK or the Green Party.
Burnham Calls for Problem-Solving Approach
“Last week I said we needed a different kind of politics: problem-solving, not point-scoring,” Burnham said.
“Nowhere is that more urgent than social care.
For decades, governments have kicked this issue down the road because they've seen it as too risky, too difficult, and too complicated.”
He urged all parties to find common ground despite differing political perspectives.
“Politicians might have different views but I'm serious about fixing this issue and to do that, we have to find common ground and listen to others to find a way forward,” Burnham added.
Conservative Skepticism and Conditions
A Conservative source expressed skepticism about the timing of the initiative, suggesting it might be “done for show.”
The party stated that any proposed changes must avoid increasing tax burdens or state borrowing.
A Conservative spokesman said: “Social care is vital to protecting the most vulnerable in our society.
Any changes must be backed by a clear, credible and fully costed plan that delivers better care for the public and value for taxpayers.”
The spokesman also criticized the government for lacking technical specifics, saying Burnham and Labour “cannot rely on vague promises of reform without a clear plan for implementation.”
Liberal Democrat Support for Consensus
Sir Ed Davey expressed support for finding a consensus, highlighting the financial benefits of supporting home care options.
“If people are able to look after their loved ones [at home], they don't have to go into hospitals so often and that can save huge amounts of money,” Davey said.
He noted that finding common ground was essential despite previous unsuccessful reform attempts, adding, “To see the 23rd effort work, we need to do things differently.”
Criticism from Excluded Parties
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized the decision to restrict the attendee list, saying Burnham had “chosen to ignore the party that led over 300 national opinion polls and represents thousands of councillors and millions of Britons.”
Farage also attacked the summit as “conspiring behind closed doors with the failed political establishment.”
Green Party leader Zack Polanski acknowledged the value of cross-party talks while expressing a desire to participate.
“That's a case for the prime minister. Actually, I think it's positive he's inviting opposition leaders at all,” Polanski said.
“I would like to be there, of course I would, I'd encourage the prime minister to extend that invitation… The point here, though, is not politicians' personal egos, the point is adult social care is a ticking time bomb.”
During Wednesday's address alongside Health Secretary Yvette Cooper, Burnham is expected to announce an accelerated timeline for the Casey Commission, an independent review led by Baroness Louise Casey scheduled to deliver full recommendations in 2028.
