Burnham calls for UK nations to move together on regional devolution

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says the four nations must move together on regional devolution, after meeting the Scottish and Welsh first ministers in Glasgow. The talks focused on giving regions more control over employment support and funding for reindustrialisation, while leaving independence referendums off the table.

Burnham said he wanted to ensure no nation was “left behind” and that economic growth should bring better employment and living standards across the UK. He urged Scotland and Wales to work with the UK government on a model of deeper devolution, including possible regional control of innovation funding.

The meeting, the first National Economic Council for the nations, also included Northern Ireland officials. Representatives discussed devolving employment support for young people; Burnham said the UK government would examine arrangements for doing so in Scotland and Wales.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney called the meeting “a welcome start” and said he would work with Burnham on transferring more powers from Westminster, provided proposals supported economic growth, wages, jobs and help with the cost of living. He welcomed recognition that “Westminster is not working for Scotland”.

Swinney and Burnham disagree over independence. A Downing Street spokesperson said the UK government would review issues raised by the Scottish first minister, but that this would not include a second independence referendum.

Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth described the meeting as “positive”. He said further devolution within Wales was for the Senedd to decide, and welcomed movement on the Welsh government’s fiscal and borrowing powers. Downing Street said he had agreed to explore how the governments could contribute to regional empowerment and reindustrialisation.

The meeting follows Burnham’s earlier proposal to work with Swinney on a deeper Scottish devolution deal, including possible regional economic powers. That proposal also called for greater local authority alongside Holyrood.