Burnham Extends Olive Branch to Scotland on Devolution

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is visiting Scotland to urge First Minister John Swinney to collaborate on devolution, aiming to create jobs and opportunities across the nation. Burnham plans to tell Swinney that enhanced local empowerment can unlock Scotland's potential, stating there are "no limits to what we can achieve" when both governments work together.

Burnham, who has championed devolving more power to local areas in the UK, will highlight the "No10 North" initiative and express his desire for Scottish regions to be fully integrated. He is expected to argue that the Scottish government is one of the most centralized devolved administrations in Europe, suggesting that Holyrood does not adequately empower communities that understand their own areas best.

Burnham's proposed collaboration centers on developing a new model of regional empowerment for Scotland. This approach would enable communities with distinct strengths and ambitions to seize new economic opportunities. The Prime Minister's visit coincides with the SNP's annual party conference and a visit from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

While there is potential common ground on local devolution between the Scottish and UK governments, Swinney has cautioned against Westminster overstepping and eroding powers from Holyrood. The First Minister is expected to reiterate his call for a second Scottish independence referendum at the SNP conference.

Burnham previously indicated that a border poll could be considered in Scotland and Northern Ireland if public opinion shifted significantly. However, he has also maintained that a second Scottish independence referendum remains "off limits."

Kemi Badenoch, speaking in Edinburgh, stated that the Conservatives currently have "no plans" to remove powers from the Scottish Parliament. She suggested that devolution is a process that can be reviewed and improved if it is not functioning effectively, emphasizing a focus on solutions to enhance people's lives.