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.
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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.
