Podcast explores Abu Dhabi investment and Andy Burnham’s Manchester ties
The article introduces a podcast examining the ties between Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Abu Dhabi, following Burnham’s recent defence of Manchester City’s owners. It asks what the episode’s account of Emirati investment in the city reveals about Burnham’s time as mayor and the wider promotion of “Manchesterism”.
Presenter Helen Pidd traces how Abu Dhabi’s money has helped reshape Manchester, while speaking with North of England editor Josh Halliday. They discuss alleged favourable deals that gave Emirati investors significant land holdings, continuing concerns about transparency, and who has benefited from the investment; the article gives no figures for the deals or land involved.
In short
- A podcast examines Abu Dhabi’s influence on Manchester.
- It explores Burnham’s defence of Manchester City’s owners.
- The discussion raises questions about land deals and transparency.
Explained simply
Andy Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester, a role that involves promoting the area and supporting its economic development. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, whose investors have funded projects and bought property in cities around the world.
In Manchester, Emirati investment has been linked to changes in the city’s buildings, businesses and public profile. “Manchesterism” is a term used for the city’s approach to growth and promotion, and questions about land deals and transparency concern how that growth has been arranged and who has gained from it.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “How Abu Dhabi bought Andy Burnham’s Manchester – podcast”.