Andy Burnham proposes Amazon tax to rejuvenate high streets
Andy Burnham has indicated plans to introduce an “Amazon tax” aimed at reforming business rates to support Britain’s high streets, reports BritPanorama.
The former Manchester mayor, who is poised to become prime minister following the upcoming elections, outlined these intentions during an interview with Andrew Marr on LBC. He reiterated his commitment to the Labour 2024 election manifesto, which promises not to raise income tax, VAT, or national insurance personal contributions.
However, he proposed increasing business rates on large warehouses that serve major online retailers like Amazon, while simultaneously reducing the financial burden on traditional high street shops and pubs.
Despite his ambitions, Burnham has yet to finalize his choice for chancellor as he prepares for his anticipated role as Britain’s next prime minister on July 20. Speculation surrounds potential candidates, including energy secretary Ed Miliband and former health secretary Wes Streeting.
Burnham expressed frustration with the political landscape’s focus on individual personalities rather than addressing substantive policies. “It’s been a little frustrating for me in the last sort of two weeks, because Westminster goes into its normal mode,” he explained. “I very deliberately have said, ‘no, I’m going to set out a new direction for the country first.’”
He reaffirmed his commitment to the manifesto, stating, “So, let me be absolutely clear about that,” while acknowledging potential flexibility in business rates to facilitate support for local businesses. Burnham argued for prioritizing establishments that foster community engagement, such as bars and restaurants, as crucial to revitalizing high streets.
Additionally, he emphasized a willingness to collaborate with other political parties, hinting at potential alignment with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch on issues like tackling grooming gangs. On this note, Burnham has voiced support for the deportation of the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang.
Addressing public sentiment, he stated, “I often have people say to me, I just scream at the radio, tell us what you would do, and I kind of feel politicians have to answer that call from the public.” He contended that the UK requires a fresh approach, noting, “We’ve had a decade where politics really has not been working for people at all.”
He also admitted to failures among his generation of politicians, asserting the need for improved offerings to the electorate. In a critique of Sir Keir Starmer, Burnham stated, “You can’t go around pointing fingers when you haven’t been good enough.”
By establishing principles centered on prioritizing place over party, problem-solving over point scoring, and long-term strategies rather than short-term gains, Burnham articulated a vision for future governance. However, he remained noncommittal regarding any bank holiday in the event that England wins the men’s World Cup, acknowledging the challenges ahead. “We struggled to beat Congo so let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” he remarked.
