Prime Minister Andy Burnham told First Minister John Swinney they will have to “agree to disagree” on Scottish independence in a phone call on Tuesday, a UK Government source confirmed. The call marked the first direct contact between the two leaders since Burnham assumed office.
First Call Between Leaders
The conversation took place on Tuesday morning, during which Swinney extended an invitation for Burnham to visit Scotland “at the earliest opportunity.” The First Minister also raised the issue of Scottish independence, emphasizing the pro-separation majority in the Scottish Parliament in hopes of advancing the debate.
However, a UK Government source told the Press Association that the Prime Minister was resistant to discussing the matter. “When the question of independence was raised, the Prime Minister was quite firm they would have to agree to disagree,” the source said. “It’s not something he’s focused on and it’s not a conversation that he’s interested in taking forward.”
Constructive Tone on Other Matters
The source described the rest of the call as “quite warm and constructive,” with Burnham stressing areas where the two governments can collaborate and his commitment to a “new kind of politics.” The Prime Minister also spoke with the heads of the devolved governments in Wales and Northern Ireland on the same day.
A UK Government spokesman said Burnham emphasized his desire for “practical measures, not constitutional changes like further referendums.” The spokesman added: “The Prime Minister said he was serious about creating a new politics – rooted in finding common ground based on collaborative, practical and pragmatic relations with the Heads of the Devolved Governments.”
Focus on Cooperation and Cost of Living
According to the spokesman, Burnham highlighted that working in partnership could drive deeper devolution across the UK to stimulate growth. He reiterated his focus on practical measures to help families with the cost of living, noting that he had already taken steps to assist millions of households with energy bills.
“The Prime Minister added he was focused on practical measures, not constitutional changes like further referendums, to give families more breathing room by helping them with the cost of living, which he had done today by helping millions of households with their energy bills,” the spokesman said. Burnham also expressed his eagerness to meet with the devolved government heads soon and to visit Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland shortly.
Scottish Government's Account
A Scottish Government spokesman provided details from Swinney’s perspective. “In a telephone call this morning, the First Minister congratulated the new Prime Minister on his appointment,” the spokesman said. “He set out his commitment to both governments working constructively together to address the cost-of-living crisis and to lower energy bills.”
The spokesman added that Swinney “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 Burnham at Bute House at the earliest opportunity.
