In his inaugural party conference speech as Labour leader, Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to announce the creation of a new government-backed entity, the Great British Grid. Speaking to activists in Liverpool on Tuesday, Burnham will frame the initiative as a crucial step toward accelerating electricity connection speeds by fostering greater competition for infrastructure projects.
The prime minister aims to place these proposals at the core of a ten-year strategy intended to align UK energy costs with those of other European nations. He is expected to characterize the intervention as a necessary response to an ongoing energy “cost crisis” that has been “crippling for businesses” across the country. This launch serves as a flagship move in Burnham’s broader campaign to increase public oversight of essential utilities.
While comprehensive details remain forthcoming, the government confirmed that the new body will operate alongside the three existing private firms that currently manage Britain’s electricity transmission. The Great British Grid will facilitate projects by supporting or co-investing with private firms, and will specifically help companies waiting for grid access to finance their own infrastructure connections. Funding for this new entity will be drawn from the existing budget of GB Energy, the public green investment company established by Labour last year and based in Aberdeen.
Beyond energy reform, Burnham is expected to use the conference address to clarify the funding strategy for the recently announced NHS-style social care system for England. By positioning these policies together, the prime minister seeks to demonstrate a commitment to both public infrastructure investment and social welfare expansion.
