Prime Minister Andy Burnham will hold a cross-party summit on adult social care on 30 July, after outlining plans for a universal system modelled on the NHS. Burnham has invited Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaders but excluded Reform UK and the Green Party, drawing accusations of "uniparty in action" from Nigel Farage.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch cannot attend and will send shadow health secretary Stuart Andrew in her place, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey will join remotely via Zoom. A Conservative source criticised the short notice, suggesting the meeting was staged for appearance. Andrew argued that Labour cannot rely on vague promises without a clear plan. Davey noted there have been 22 failed attempts at reforming social care since 1997.
Burnham, joined by Health Secretary Yvette Cooper, is expected to announce he is accelerating the Casey Commission, an independent review led by Baroness Louise Casey to deliver a National Care Service. Casey will launch a "Big Conversation on Care" public consultation and is expected to publish her first report later in 2026.