Asked about the violence in an interview with the Guardian, he said: “I can’t judge things of that enormity from where I am as mayor of Greater Manchester.”

Says the man hoping to be Prime Minister of a nation of 70 million.

Edit: being “only” leader of a city is a weak excuse as well, considering historical precedent: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-22976781

I notice how much Burnham looks more and more like Starmer as the days pass. Slightly different clothes, slightly different glasses, slightly different accent.

Remember when Starmer stood for Labour leadership on his list of 10 promises?

1. Economic justice: Increase income tax for the top 5% of earners, reverse cuts to corporation tax and clamp down on tax avoidance.
2. *Social justice: Abolish universal credit and the welfare sanctions regime, set a wellbeing goal and prioritise it equally with GDP, stand up for universal services, defend the NHS and scrap university tuition fees.
3. Climate justice: A green new deal, introduce a Clean Air Act to tackle pollution locally and demand international action on climate rights.
4. Promote peace and human rights: No more illegal wars, introduce a Prevention of Military Intervention Act, put human rights at the heart of foreign policy and review all UK arms sales.
5. Common ownership: Support common ownership of rail, mail, energy and water, end outsourcing in our NHS, local government and justice system.
6. Defend migrants’ rights: Full voting rights for EU nationals, defend freedom of movement post-Brexit, create an immigration system based on dignity and compassion, end indefinite detention and call for the closure of centres such as Yarl’s Wood.
7. *Strengthen workers’ rights and trade unions: Work with trade unions, tackle insecure work and low pay, repeal the Trade Union Act, oppose Tory attacks on workers’ rights.
8. Devolve power, wealth and opportunity: Introduce a federal system, including a regional investment bank and control over regional industrial strategy, abolish the House of Lords and replace it with an elected chamber.
9. Equality Act: Remove obstacles to limit opportunities and talent by building on the achievements of the party, which include the Equal Pay Act, Sure Start, BAME representation and the abolition of Section 28.
10. Provide effective opposition to the Tories: Provide “forensic” opposition to the government linked with the membership and a “professional election operation”, unite the party, promote pluralism and improve the party’s culture, take robust action to eradicate antisemitism and maintain effective links with trade unions.

Sounds a bit like “Burnhamism” doesn’t it. Hmmm…