Cross-party talks aimed at achieving a consensus on social care reforms began on a contentious note this Wednesday, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham facing accusations of orchestrating a political stunt. Critics, including Conservative sources and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, alleged that the short notice provided for the meeting and the exclusion of certain parties undermined the sincerity of the initiative.
The Prime Minister expressed a strong desire to find a lasting solution through political consensus on social care. However, Conservative sources stated that the tripartite meeting with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats was scheduled with only 18 hours' notice. This brevity led to criticism, with one Tory source noting that such short notice during a parliamentary recess for a 30-minute meeting, coupled with the immediate press release of the invitation, suggested the talks were "only being done for show."
The timing also impacted party leaders. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch was unable to attend due to a prior engagement, and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey had to join remotely from holiday abroad. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage condemned his party's exclusion from the discussions, characterizing the Prime Minister's actions as "conspiring behind closed doors with the failed political Establishment."
Despite the criticism, Prime Minister Burnham defended the arrangement, asserting that both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats had responded positively to the idea of engaging in talks. In response to the burgeoning controversy, Cabinet minister Angela Rayner indicated a potential willingness to broaden engagement, stating, "The PM wants to have everyone involved. I am happy to engage with anyone, whether that is a Reform MP or a Green MP."