Andy Burnham meets first ministers in Glasgow for devolution talks
Prime Minister Andy Burnham met with John Swinney and Rhun ap Iowerth in Glasgow to discuss regional devolution and industrial regeneration.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Andy Burnham hosted the first National Economic Council for the nations in Glasgow.
- Pledged to ensure that no nation is left behind through regional devolution.
- Discussed handing regions more powers over employment support and innovation funding.
- Downsrairs ruled out a second independence referendum in Scotland.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated his commitment to ensuring no nation is left behind following a roundtable meeting in Glasgow, which also included representatives from Northern Ireland. The discussions focused heavily on regional devolution and collaborative economic strategies across the UK's nations.
Both first ministers have previously called for broader conversations regarding independence, although Burnham has firmly ruled out holding referendums. The meeting, held as part of the National Economic Council, brought together key political figures including Scotland's John Swinney and Wales's Rhun ap Iowerth.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Ministers and regional representatives at the summit explored transferring powers to local authorities to better manage employment support and reindustrialisation funding, including innovation grants. Furthermore, the leaders reached a consensus regarding the high number of unemployed young people, prompting Downing Street to review further devolution arrangements for youth employment support in Scotland and Wales.
Devolution has remained central to Prime Minister Burnham's policy agenda since taking office at Downing Street over the summer. His strategy centers on rewiring the state by empowering regional mayors and local authorities across England to stimulate economic growth. Extending similar national-level devolution requires careful navigation between local autonomy demands and central government oversight.
John Swinney described the meeting as a welcome start, expressing a willingness to work collaboratively with Westminster as long as the transferred powers deliver tangible economic benefits, higher wages, and enhanced business opportunities. Meanwhile, Downing Street confirmed that while regional powers will be reviewed, a second Scottish independence referendum remains off the table.
"I was pleased to meet with the prime minister in Glasgow today where I once again pressed the need for Wales and the Welsh government to have the necessary tools to better serve our communities."
Rhun ap Iowerth
Rhun ap Iowerth emphasized the necessity for the Welsh government to acquire appropriate tools for community development, maintaining that internal Welsh devolution is strictly a matter for the Senedd. Downing Street characterized the discussions with the Welsh leader as positive, with both sides agreeing to initiate a framework for regional empowerment and sustainable economic growth.
Source: BBC Politics
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