Burnham warns NHS collapse without social care reform

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has warned that the United Kingdom — National Health Service (NHS) will 'collapse' unless the social care system in England is reformed. In his first major broadcast interview since taking office, Burnham stated he would 'go as quickly as I can' on social care reform but declined to provide a timeline. He also signaled plans to tighten conditions for claiming benefits to reduce the welfare bill. The number of people claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has surpassed four million, with spending forecast to exceed £41 billion by the end of the decade. Burnham faces pressure from opposition leaders, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, who demand clarity on funding. Chancellor John Healey is under scrutiny over the cost of recent support packages. Burnham has previously proposed a 10% levy on estates to fund social care, dubbed a 'death tax' by the Conservatives. The Resolution Foundation estimates recent pledges will cost over £2 billion by 2029/30. Burnham's father Roy has Alzheimer's and lives in a care home, adding personal significance to the issue.