Badenoch Criticizes Calls for New Referendums, Backs Devolution Review

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Scottish First Minister John Swinney and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to end discussions about "endless" referendums, including those concerning Scottish independence and Brexit. Badenoch expressed her backing for a review of powers devolved to the Scottish Parliament, suggesting a shift away from the "devolve and forget" approach.

During a visit to Edinburgh, Badenoch criticized Swinney, referring to him as a "broken record" for his focus on independence. She stated that Swinney and the Scottish National Party "have run out of ideas" and are not addressing critical issues in Scotland such as health, education, and drug deaths. Badenoch argued that the constant talk of referendums is a "distraction" for the country and that leaders should instead focus on utilizing existing powers to generate economic growth across the United Kingdom.

A new Scottish independence campaign is expected to be launched by the SNP at their conference in Aberdeen. Badenoch also commented on the possibility of a future Labour manifesto including a referendum on rejoining the European Union, calling such discussions "not serious."

Badenoch indicated that her party is considering a review of devolution, potentially leading to the withdrawal of certain powers from the Scottish Parliament. This review stems from concerns about the SNP government's performance in areas like health, education, energy, and the economy. The Conservative Party has also called on the Scottish government to lift its ban on nuclear energy. Badenoch emphasized that if devolved planning policies are used to obstruct reserved energy policies, it presents a problem that needs a solution rather than being dismissed due to devolution. She described devolution as a "process" that can be improved if it is not working, rather than an immutable principle.