Andy Burnham has shut down the prospect of a second referendum on Scottish independence, it has emerged ahead of his first visit as Prime Minister. The Makerfield MP and former Greater Manchester Mayor will arrive in Glasgow today (Thursday) to watch the opening ceremony for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, where he will be joined by the King and Queen.
During the trip he is expected to hold first in-person meetings with the Scottish First Minister, the SNP's John Swinney, and the First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth. The UK Government has said Mr Burnham would set out how he plans to work 'collaboratively' with devolved governments 'based on a genuine partnership.'
Burnham's stance on independence referendum
During a phone call with the Scottish leader on Tuesday morning, Mr Burnham is said to have shut down the prospect of a second independence referendum, with a UK Government source telling the Press Association (PA) the PM told the First Minister they will have to 'agree to disagree.' It's understood Mr Burnham, who has said he wants to devolve more powers throughout the UK, pledged to work with the Scottish Government to deliver a 'new kind of politics.'
The Prime Minister said: “When I say we need good growth in every postcode, I mean every postcode across the whole of the UK. Every place and every person matters. I’m not focused on point scoring or discussing constitutional changes like referendums, I want practical measures to help people live well and bring back hope. That’s why I’m giving families more breathing space with help on the cost of living, which I have started this week by taking VAT off electricity bills, saving money for millions of households.”
Relations with devolved leaders
However, Mr Swinney has signalled he does not want to work with Douglas Alexander, the Scottish Secretary, after Mr Burnham decided to keep him in the post. The First Minister told PA he would rather deal with the Prime Minister one-on-one, having accused Mr Alexander of souring relations between the UK and Scottish governments. Mr Burnham is poised to make Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar a minister, a move that will see him leave the Scottish Parliament and head to the House of Lords.
The First Minister of Wales, Plaid Cymru's Mr ap Iorwerth said: “I look forward to meeting the Prime Minister in Glasgow today. It is fitting that we meet in Scotland, as it underlines Wales’ case for parity of powers and a fairer funding model that reflects our needs. ‘Number 10 North’ must not become just Whitehall with a different postcode. I agree wholeheartedly on empowering communities – it’s at the heart of my politics – but decisions affecting Wales should be made in Wales, and it is for the Welsh Government and our Senedd to work with the people of Wales on how power is exercised and shared within our nation.
“At a time when families are still feeling the pressure of the cost of living, I am also keen to discuss how our governments can work together as equal partners to deliver improvements to the lives of people in Wales.”
Upcoming UK tour
The PM is also expected to meet with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland on his tour of the UK in August, where he will visit areas across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England.
