Scottish First Minister John Swinney said he wants to have “constructive conversations” with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham on issues such as the cost of living and the prospect of another Scottish independence referendum. Swinney spoke out after Burnham entered Downing Street on Monday, pledging to bring back “hope” to the country.
Cost of living an absolute priority
Stressing that politics has “not been good enough”, Burnham said he would set out measures to “give people some breathing space” to help with the cost of living as early as Tuesday. Swinney said that “taking action on the cost of living must be an absolute priority for the new Prime Minister”. He congratulated Burnham on taking on the job, describing it as a “significant moment”.
The SNP leader stressed he was committed to “working constructively” with Burnham to “improve the lives of people in Scotland”. Swinney said: “The UK faces a number of serious challenges at this moment, and Andy Burnham is correct when he says that Westminster is not working for the vast majority of people. Therefore, taking action on the cost of living must be an absolute priority for the new Prime Minister, and supporting people through sustained economic pressures will be key to restoring confidence and stability after a period of political turbulence.”
Independence referendum back on the table
But the SNP leader also said he wanted to talk to Burnham about the prospect of another Scottish independence referendum – something previous prime ministers have firmly ruled out. With Burnham taking office just over two months after the SNP won a fifth term in power in the Holyrood election, Swinney added: “The people of Scotland voted for my Government and our commitment to support people with the cost of living; ensure easier and quicker access to the NHS; and deliver the right to choose a fresh start with independence. I look forward to constructive conversations with the new Prime Minister about how we make that happen.”
Labour reactions and Conservative criticism
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar hailed the “bold Labour vision” from Burnham as he entered Downing Street. Commenting on social media, Sarwar said: “End rough sleeping. Tackle the cost of living. Bring back hope. A bold Labour vision from the new Prime Minister. Let’s get to work.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “Labour’s decision to boot Sir Keir Starmer out of 10 Downing Street changes absolutely nothing. Andy Burnham is just a new frontman for a failing left-wing government that hates aspiration, splurges vast sums of taxpayers’ money on benefits and doesn’t take our national security seriously.” Findlay added: “Unless Burnham rejects net-zero zealot Ed Miliband’s idiotic ban on new North Sea drilling, 1,000 jobs every month will continue to be lost and the industry will be destroyed. With Burnham supporting many of the SNP’s disastrous left-wing policies, Scots face a double whammy of pain and misery.”
