This week marks a pivotal moment for Prime Minister Andy Burnham's new government, just 100 days after he took office. While Labour MPs are reportedly more optimistic and the party's poll ratings have improved, a series of significant economic and political decisions now loom.

The government is set to deliver its Budget on Wednesday, an event that has been less publicly heralded than in previous years. This lower-key approach is attributed to the Budget occurring a month earlier than usual, a smaller overall scope regarding tax increases, and a deliberate strategy by Chancellor John Healey and his team to limit pre-announcement speculation. Despite its subdued buildup, the Budget is considered a crucial opportunity to address economic challenges and set the government's financial direction.

Key themes expected in the Budget include support for individuals facing cost of living pressures, measures to assist entrepreneurs, increased financial powers for English mayors, and strategies to foster economic recovery. The impact and value of these measures will ultimately be judged by the public.

Beyond domestic economic policy, Prime Minister Burnham is also confronting complex questions surrounding the UK's relationship with the European Union and Brexit. Unlike many politicians who have sought to avoid the issue, Burnham has actively called for renewed discussions, stating the current arrangements are insufficient. This stance has generated significant attention, particularly his recent suggestion of exploring a discussion around freedom of movement.

Freedom of movement, a core principle of the EU's single market, allows citizens to live and work across member states. Reopening this topic is seen as a significant step, given its prominence during the 2016 EU referendum. The Prime Minister's office initially suggested any return of freedom of movement would require a referendum, but later clarified that the focus is on initiating a broad conversation without pre-committing to specific outcomes. Some within the Labour party view this approach as creating unnecessary complications, while others appreciate Burnham's public articulation of potential policy directions.

This strategic engagement with Brexit, while potentially risky, could be interpreted as an attempt by Burnham to proactively shape the narrative and explore avenues for improving the UK's economic ties with the EU. The government's approach suggests a willingness to tackle issues that have been politically sensitive, aiming to redefine the post-Brexit landscape.

The coming days will test the government's ability to navigate these intertwined challenges. The success of the Budget in addressing immediate economic concerns and the outcome of the Brexit discussions will significantly influence public perception and the administration's future trajectory.

Unresolved questions remain regarding the specific proposals within the Budget and the precise nature of the "broad based conversation" on Brexit that the Prime Minister intends to foster. The public and political stakeholders will be closely watching for concrete policy details and the tangible impacts of these significant governmental undertakings.