Sky News was halted for a major breaking update this evening, as chief presenter Mark Austin delivered a statement straight from Downing Street.
Burnham meets Swinney
On Thursday (July 23), prime minister Andy Burnham met with Scotland’s first minister John Swinney, and said flat out there is no chance of a second referendum on Scottish independence.
Austin told viewers: “Just some news out of Downing Street about the prime minister’s meeting with John Swinney, first minister of Scotland. It’s about how they discussed devolution, of course increasing devolution, an idea close to Burnham’s heart. But it goes on to say that the prime minister stated up front that another referendum on independence was off limits, because it would “take our focus away from growing the economy and helping families with the cost of living”.
Statement from Downing Street
“Andy Burnham is making that point, and more broadly, says Downing Street, the prime minister said this is a moment for both sides to work together in a constructive relationship.
“The prime minister says Downing Street looks forward to regular engagement with the first minister in the months ahead.”
The last Scottish independence referendum took place in 2014, with 55.3% of voters choosing against independence, with 44.7% in favour.
SNP hopes scuppered
Swinney was aiming to hold another referendum by 2028 after the Scottish National Party won a comfortable majority in the Holyrood election in May 2026.
But those hopes have just been scuppered by Burnham, with a Downing Street spokesperson confirming that the UK government does not support Scottish independence or a second vote.
In order to hold one, Labour ministers would have to grant a Section 30 order to give Holyrood the power necessary.
