Scottish First Minister John Swinney has expressed his desire for “constructive conversations” with newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham, focusing on issues such as the cost of living and the prospect of another Scottish independence referendum. Swinney congratulated Burnham on taking office, describing it as a “significant moment,” and stressed his commitment to working constructively to improve the lives of people in Scotland.
Cost of Living as an Absolute Priority
Swinney emphasized that “taking action on the cost of living must be an absolute priority for the new Prime Minister.” He noted that Burnham, upon entering Downing Street on Monday, pledged to bring back “hope” and set out measures to give people “some breathing space” as early as Tuesday. Swinney stated, “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.” He added that supporting people through sustained economic pressures will be key to restoring confidence and stability after a period of political turbulence.
Call for Independence Referendum
In addition to cost-of-living measures, Swinney indicated his intention to discuss the possibility of a second Scottish independence referendum with Burnham, a topic previous prime ministers have firmly ruled out. The SNP leader said, “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.”
Reactions from Other Political Leaders
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar hailed Burnham’s “bold Labour vision,” welcoming his promises to end rough sleeping and tackle the cost of living. In a social media post, 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.”
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay criticized the new Labour government, stating, “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 also warned that unless Burnham rejects Ed Miliband’s ban on new North Sea drilling, 1,000 jobs every month will continue to be lost, and the industry will be destroyed.
Reform UK’s Scottish leader Malcolm Offord urged Burnham to deliver action rather than slogans, saying, “Scotland does not need another reset, another slogan or another round of empty promises. It needs action.” He called for reopening the North Sea, protecting Scottish jobs, cutting taxes, securing borders, and focusing on better public services.
Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay urged the new PM to “be bold and genuinely do things differently.” She called for a wealth tax on multi-millionaires to raise tens of billions of pounds and for meaningful devolution, stating, “There is no reason for these powers to be hoarded by a Westminster machine that even Andy Burnham accepts has been failing for 40 years.”
