Andy Burnham rules out referendum talks with John Swinney during Scotland visit
Andy Burnham has signaled that he does not want to discuss the possibility of a second independence referendum with First Minister John Swinney during his visit to Scotland.
The two leaders will meet on Thursday for their first face-to-face meeting since Mr Burnham became Prime Minister on Monday.
Their meeting followed a phone call between the pair earlier in the week, in which Mr Burnham ruled out a new independence vote.
A UK Government source said the Prime Minister told the First Minister they should “agree to disagree” on the issue.
Despite this difference, Mr Burnham, who has expressed a desire to devolve more powers across the UK, is understood to be determined to work with the Scottish Government to develop a “new kind of politics”.
But Mr Swinney has already indicated his reluctance to work with Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, whom Mr Burnham has chosen to keep in his cabinet.
The First Minister said she would prefer a one-on-one meeting with the Prime Minister, accusing Mr Alexander of souring relations between the UK and Scottish governments.
The UK Government said Mr Burnham would explain how he plans to work “collaboratively” with the devolved governments “based on a true partnership”.
The Prime Minister said: “When I say we need good growth in every postcode, I mean every postcode in the whole of the UK. “Every place and every person matters.
“I’m not focused on scoring points or discussing constitutional changes like referendums; I want practical measures to help people live well and restore hope.
“That’s why I’m giving families more breathing room with cost-of-living benefits, which I launched this week by reducing VAT on electricity bills, saving millions of households money.”
Mr Burnham will arrive in Glasgow on Thursday to watch the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which the King and Queen will attend.
He will also meet with the First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth.
He said: “I look forward to meeting the Prime Minister in Glasgow today.
“It is fitting that we meet in Scotland as it underlines Wales’ demand for equality of powers and a fairer funding model that reflects our needs.
“‘Number 10 North’ shouldn’t just be Whitehall with a different postcode. I wholeheartedly agree with strengthening communities – it’s at the heart of my politics – but decisions that affect Wales should be made in Wales and it’s for the Welsh Government and our Senedd to work with the people of Wales on how power is used and shared across our nation.
“At a time when families are still feeling the pressure of the cost of living, I also want to discuss how our governments can work together as equal partners to deliver improvements in the lives of people in Wales.”
Mr Burnham’s visit to Scotland marks a change as his successor, Sir Keir Starmer, opted not to campaign in Scotland for the Holyrood election.
Scottish Labor figures have cited Sir Keir as the reason for the party’s Holyrood election results in May – the worst results in devolution history.
Mr Burnham is set to make Scottish Labor leader Anas Sarwar a minister; a move that would see him leave the Scottish Parliament and head to the House of Lords.
The Prime Minister is also expected to meet the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland during his UK tour in August, during which he will visit Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and parts of England.
