Andy Burnham has ruled out a second referendum on independence taking place until it is "clear" a majority of Scots want one.
The Prime Minister suggested today that the rules governing the timing of an IndyRef2 should be "exactly the same" as those for an Irish border poll. But he added he did not believe a majority of Scots were currently in favour of another major vote on the constitution.
PMQs exchange over Good Friday Agreement
He was pressed on the issue at PMQs today by SNP MP Chris Law, who said voters in Scotland should have the "equal right to choose their own future" as those in the province.
Under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the Northern Irish Secretary can decide to hold a referendum at any time - provided there has not been another border poll in the last seven years. The act also imposes a duty on the Secretary of State to hold a border poll if it appears likely that a majority of people in Northern Ireland would vote for Irish unification.
Law's challenge and Burnham's response
Law said: "In response to my question last week, the Prime Minister stated he is aware of every word in the Good Friday Agreement, and will stick to it 100 per cent. He will therefore know the Northern Ireland Act contains a provision for a referendum for leaving the United Kingdom - but no equivalent provision exists within the law for Scotland."
"Does the Prime Minister recognise the people of Scotland have the same right, the equal right, to choose their own future and that the conditions for a second independence referendum should be set out in law."
Burnham responded: "He mentions the Good Friday Agreement and I will stick to it 100 per cent. And I would also remind him on that question of a border poll, it is to be considered by the Northern Ireland Secretary when there is a clear consensus in the country - when public opinion has changed to the point where the call has to be considered."
"I would say the exactly the same situation in Scotland. I am not aware there is a majority of public support for another referendum, and until that changes, there won't be one."
