General · 8 July 2026
Andy Burnham plans more public control over water and energy
Andy Burnham, who is anticipated to become the next prime minister, is contemplating a decade-long proposal for state control of vital utilities such as water and energy delivery. His staff is examining various approaches, from complete government takeover to enhanced oversight, with the goal of increasing public authority. Campaigners criticise the current private ownership of utilities, especially Thames Water, which serves 16 million customers and has been close to collapse.
Reported by Guardian · How we write briefs