Ahead of the Labour Party Conference, Andy Burnham has urged Britain to "believe again," calling for a new direction for the country. The conference comes just before the energy price cap increases by 4%, reaching £1,723 annually for the average household starting 1 October. Burnham plans to use the event to reflect on the past decade, which has been marked by political and economic challenges, including the Brexit vote. He also faces criticism from within his own party over Labour’s stance on the Gaza conflict. Dave Doogan, the SNP’s Westminster leader, cautioned that political slogans alone cannot replace practical support for people struggling with rising living costs. He said the Prime Minister’s promise to restore hope "rings hollow" as household bills continue to climb. Doogan urged the Prime Minister to provide direct financial relief and criticized Labour’s handling of the cost-of-living crisis, pointing to rising energy, food, and fuel prices. He also noted that Burnham’s message of hope mirrors that of Labour leader Keir Starmer, arguing that real economic solutions are needed instead of political rhetoric. Doogan emphasized the long-term impact of decisions made in Westminster over the past 20 years, which he claims have left people in Scotland poorer. He argued that Scotland could benefit from independence by leveraging its significant energy resources to address rising living costs, reduce child poverty, and build a more prosperous and equitable society. His vision includes Scotland joining the European Union, which he believes would provide additional opportunities for economic growth and stability. The upcoming Labour Party Conference will be a key moment for Burnham and his party as they seek to address both domestic and international challenges. With the energy price cap increase on the horizon, the focus on economic policy and public confidence will be central to the discussions. The debate over the cost-of-living crisis and the future of Scotland’s political and economic direction is likely to remain prominent in the coming weeks.