Labour MPs say Burnham's 10-year plan is not radical enough

Labour MPs have raised concerns that Andy Burnham's 10-year plan for government will not be radical or detailed enough, according to The Guardian.

The MPs belong to the Reindustrialisation Research Group, which is headed by Andy MacNae. Jonathan Hinder is also a member. Many of its members represent "red wall" seats, the constituencies that helped Labour win the last election. On Wednesday, members of the group are due to meet Cabinet Office minister Sally Jameson to share their concerns about the prime minister's long-term strategy.

The timing of the plan has also shifted. MPs had been told to expect it before the end of the year, but Burnham said last week that it could be delayed until January.

The group's proposals focus on industry. Before the budget, it called on Chancellor John Healey to expand the British industrial competitiveness scheme, which reduces energy costs for about 10,000 businesses. It is now calling on Burnham to use the 10-year plan to announce immediate energy bill support for industrial companies.

The group also wants a minister for reindustrialisation, the effort to rebuild industrial production, to be created. It is calling for No 10 North in Manchester to be empowered to oversee that agenda.