Leading economists press Burnham to enlist UK in UN inequality panel

A coalition of forty prominent progressive academics, including Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, Mariana Mazzucato, Larry Kramer and Kate Pickett, have appealed to Prime Minister Andy Burnham to endorse the United Nations’ draft International Panel on Inequality (IPI). Their open letter stresses that the IPI would deliver a trusted, independent data set on the drivers and impacts of inequality and propose policy solutions, reinforcing the UK’s "Makerfield test" agenda.

With the United Kingdom slated to chair the G20 in 2027, the signatories see the move as an opportunity for Burnham to showcase global leadership. The letter also references Labour’s intent to revive overseas aid commitments and cites recent cuts that have sharply reduced assistance to African nations. Foreign Office minister Stewart Wood responded positively, noting that reshaping the economy fairly requires international cooperation. The initiative is being shaped by countries such as Brazil, South Africa, Norway and Spain, and will be chaired by Stiglitz.