John Swinney's first phone call with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham revealed a tense dynamic over Scottish independence. The First Minister used the conversation to cite the recent Holyrood election result, which returned a record number of pro-independence MSPs, as a reason to back a second referendum. Burnham politely disagreed and urged cooperation on common interests, showing no desire to endorse a vote his Labour colleagues believe would rip Scotland apart.
Official statements hint at division
A Scottish Government spokesperson said Swinney congratulated Burnham and committed to working together on the cost-of-living crisis and energy bills. He set out the majority in the Scottish Parliament for Scotland's future to be decided by its people and invited Burnham to Bute House. A Downing Street spokesperson said Burnham was serious about 'new politics' rooted in common ground and deeper devolution to boost growth, focusing on practical measures, not constitutional changes like further referendums.
A UK Government source told the Record that Burnham 'slapped it down' on indyref2, saying they would agree to disagree. Another Labour source said Burnham would 'never' agree to indyref, calling a second referendum 'dead'.
Stage-managed disagreement
Much of this tension is performative. Swinney knows Labour will not back indyref2 but must appease activists by pushing for it. Burnham knows the SNP has no leverage but must appear firm to his own side. Beyond indyref2, other issues will cause friction. Burnham, a committed devolutionist, wants to shift power from Whitehall to regions and mayors, while Swinney wants Westminster to transfer powers to Holyrood on issues like immigration and energy. Swinney opposes directly-elected mayors in Scotland, preferring centralised control.
Swinney is also unhappy with Burnham's decision to retain Douglas Alexander as Scottish Secretary. SNP Government insiders say relations nosedived with Alexander's appointment, citing disputes over credit for Trump axing whisky tariffs. SNP MSP David Linden criticised Alexander's record, while some Scottish Labour MPs resent his reappointment, with one senior insider saying he was 'rewarded for failure'.
Areas of potential cooperation
Despite the disagreements, insiders from both governments expect cooperation on renewables and promoting Scotland abroad. Both parties also share a common enemy in Reform, though Labour figures believe Nigel Farage's success suits Swinney. Performative disagreement looks set to be the default for Burnham and Swinney.
