New Prime Minister Andy Burnham "slapped down" John Swinney's demand for a second independence referendum during their first telephone conversation, a UK Government source has revealed.
Burnham's firm stance on indyref2
The source said Burnham registered his opposition to another vote "really strongly" and told the First Minister both governments would have to "agree to disagree" on the issue. The call took place on Tuesday morning, the day after Burnham succeeded Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.
Burnham, a committed devolutionist, has backed more powers for the nations and regions. However, he favours giving more responsibilities to councils and regions in Scotland rather than the Holyrood parliament. He is also opposed to indyref2, which is the top demand of Swinney's administration.
Swinney's call for a referendum
Swinney used the call to reiterate his demand for a second independence referendum, citing the SNP's victory in the Holyrood election. But the UK Government source said: "The Prime Minister slapped it down. He said they would have to agree to disagree." The insider added: "It was registered really strongly."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said of the talks: "In a telephone call this morning, the First Minister congratulated the new Prime Minister on his appointment. He set out his commitment to both governments working constructively together to address the cost-of-living crisis and to lower energy bills. The First Minister set out the majority within the Scottish Parliament for the future of Scotland to be decided by the people of Scotland and looked forward to a constructive dialogue on this issue. The First Minister also extended an invitation to host the Prime Minister at Bute House at the earliest opportunity."
Tensions over Douglas Alexander
The Government's constructive statement contrasted with an SNP press release on Douglas Alexander remaining as Scottish Secretary. Swinney believes relations have soured since Alexander took over and would have preferred a different Labour MP in charge.
SNP MP David Linden said: "Douglas Alexander masterminded the Labour Party's worst ever defeat in Scotland, sat silent as thousands of oil and gas jobs were lost in Scotland and was shamed over disgraceful message exchanges with Peter Mandelson - he pulled the wool over Starmer's eyes and it seems he's repeated the trick with Burnham. Scotland doesn't need this servant of Westminster having any say over our future - if Andy Burnham is serious about where power lies on these islands then his first instruction to Douglas Alexander should be to respect the democratic will of the Scottish Parliament and give the Scottish people the right to decide our constitutional future."
