Visiting Scotland, Burnham says a brand new referendum would detract from efforts to develop the economic system.
Printed On 23 Jul 2026
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has closed the door on a brand new vote for Scottish independence, saying such a referendum is off limits.
Burnham, who became premier on July 20, made the remarks throughout a gathering with Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney in Glasgow on Thursday.
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He stated a brand new Scottish independence referendum would detract from efforts to develop the economic system and produce down the price of dwelling, which he has made a major priority of his new administration.
Scotland held an independence referendum in 2014 during which 55 p.c of individuals voted to stay a part of the UK.
However Scotland’s authorities has since pushed for another vote, arguing situations have modified with the UK’s determination to depart the European Union, which 62 p.c of Scots opposed.
Swinney has stated that Scottish independence might assist carry the nation out of “political chaos and financial stagnation” and into “higher safety and prosperity” as an EU member.
Britain’s prime courtroom has dominated that the Scottish authorities can’t maintain a second referendum on independence with out approval from the British parliament.
‘Conform to disagree’
Burnham reportedly instructed Swinney throughout a name on Tuesday that the 2 must “comply with disagree” on the query of Scottish independence.
As an alternative, Burnham has stated his authorities will concentrate on pursuing “sensible measures to assist individuals dwell effectively” throughout “each postcode” within the UK.
“I’m not centered on level scoring or discussing constitutional adjustments like referendums,” stated Burnham, in a press release shared by the UK authorities.
In his Thursday assembly with Swinney, Burnham raised his plans for “devolution” to extend extra native autonomy and energy, which he believes can revive struggling economies.
Downing Road stated Burnham welcomed Swinney’s “willingness to have interaction in that course of”.
Afterward Thursday, Burnham was additionally as a result of meet with Wales First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, earlier than attending the opening of the 2026 Commonwealth Video games in Glasgow.
