Andy Burnham calls summit of Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish first ministers
Prime Minister Andy Burnham will host first ministers from Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland at the National Economic Council in October to discuss growth and living costs.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Andy Burnham to host summit with devolved first ministers in October
- Meeting to take place at the National Economic Council in London
- Focus areas include reindustrialization, jobs, and cost of living
- Revives the economic council originally created under Gordon Brown in 2008
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to bring together the first ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland for a high-profile summit this autumn. This initiative marks a major political step following his accession to the UK government leadership in July, taking over from Sir Keir Starmer after winning the Makerfield by-election.
Downing Street confirmed that the first ministers of Wales and Scotland, alongside the first and deputy first ministers of Northern Ireland, will meet the prime minister at the National Economic Council in October. The talks are intended to focus on driving sustainable economic growth across every region of the United Kingdom.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Ahead of the announcement, Burnham traveled to south Wales on Thursday for his first official visit to the country since taking control. During his listening tour, he engaged with local workers and apprentices to discuss reindustrialization, employment opportunities, and ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing households.
"I am in South Wales today because the answers to the UK's challenges will not come from an echo chamber. They will come from the places that know their own strengths, and from a government willing to listen and then act."
During the visit, Burnham met with Welsh government Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams. Williams emphasized that Wales is an energy-rich nation and that residents should see that reality reflected in stable jobs, stronger local communities, and reduced utility bills. Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru has continued to push the UK government for expanded powers and funding for the Senedd in Cardiff.
The National Economic Council was originally established by Gordon Brown's administration in 2008. By reviving this platform, Prime Minister Andy Burnham is signaling a collaborative approach to governance, aiming to bridge relations between central government and devolved administrations to tackle region-specific economic hurdles effectively.
The Welsh government stated they look forward to addressing shared challenges, including regional investment, family support amidst the cost-of-living crisis, fair funding, and the broader devolution agenda. Both sides intend to maintain an open and ongoing dialogue following initial meetings held earlier this summer.
Source: BBC Politics
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