At the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool this week, newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham outlined plans to pursue closer ties with the European Union, signaling potential efforts to rejoin the bloc. This announcement has drawn mixed reactions from voters, with some expressing concern that other pressing issues remain unaddressed.

Steve Broadhurst, a 64-year-old newsagent operating Sefton’s News in Ashton-in-Makerfield—a constituency represented by Burnham—said the Prime Minister’s focus on EU relations overlooks urgent local matters such as rising crime, illegal immigration, and shoplifting. Broadhurst, who identifies as a Remain supporter with a home in Spain, acknowledged that rejoining the EU would suit him personally but questioned whether Brexit is the country’s most critical issue at present. “The small boat situation is completely out of control — the Government doesn’t have a handle on it at all,” he said, referring to the surge in illegal crossings via the English Channel.

Broadhurst also raised concerns about organised crime, particularly in relation to vape shops that have proliferated in recent years in his community and are believed by some locals to be involved in illicit money-laundering operations. “These outlets are everywhere and we all know what they are up to, but no one does anything about it,” he said. Additionally, shoplifting has become a significant challenge for the area’s retailers. Broadhurst described it as “epidemic,” noting its impact on businesses’ security costs and the resulting price increases for consumers. He cited recent incidents of break-ins, including a nighttime burglary at the local Lidl store, and expressed frustration at the perceived lack of political response.

Burnham’s conference speech introduced several key policy proposals ahead of the next general election. Among these are plans to end the triple lock on state pensions, renationalise utility companies, and implement a new voting system aimed at ensuring “everyone’s vote counts.” On pensions, Burnham proposed cutting the link between increases and average earnings after 2030 while maintaining adjustment for inflation or 2.5 percent, whichever is higher. He argued this would free up around £15 billion annually to help fund a National Care Service, a project deeply personal to him following the recent death of his father, Roy, from Alzheimer’s disease.

Critics have questioned how the government would finance the estimated £18 billion yearly outlay for social care, suggesting it might require raising income tax or national insurance contributions in the short term. Burnham countered these concerns by emphasizing that stronger economic growth through closer European integration would help meet funding needs. He reiterated his belief that “Brexit has done more harm than good” and stressed the importance of restoring growth and prosperity for Britain.

While Burnham has previously committed not to challenge the 2016 Brexit referendum results, he now intends to present the public with “different options for Britain’s long-term relationship with our European partners,” indicating a willingness to revisit the country’s post-Brexit trajectory. Meanwhile, on-the-ground voices like Broadhurst’s underscore that concerns about immigration control and rising crime remain high on voters’ agendas.