Scotland's First Minister John Swinney intends to use his initial meeting with new United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham to formally request another referendum on Scottish independence. This move comes despite Mr. Burnham's stated position that he will not permit the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood, to hold a vote on breaking away from the UK.
Mr. Swinney is scheduled to speak with Mr. Burnham by phone on Monday, shortly after Mr. Burnham assumes office, with a face-to-face meeting anticipated within days. Speculation suggests this meeting could occur around the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
A source close to Mr. Swinney stated that the Scottish government's position is that “the future of Scotland is a matter of the people of Scotland.” Mr. Swinney himself has expressed a desire for a “constructive relationship” with Mr. Burnham to address significant challenges facing the UK, including stagnant living standards, weak economic growth, and the effects of austerity. He indicated that if Mr. Burnham is committed to a new approach for these issues, he would find a willing partner in the SNP. However, Mr. Swinney emphasized that this relationship must acknowledge the changing political landscape and that Westminster does not hold the exclusive right to determine Scotland's future.
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth echoed this sentiment, urging Mr. Burnham to “grant the Scottish people a referendum.” Ms. Gilruth posited that independence represents the “greatest devolution” Scotland could achieve. Mr. Burnham, formerly the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has previously outlined plans to decentralize power through UK-wide devolution.
However, the push for a referendum faces opposition. Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton criticized Mr. Swinney and the SNP's focus on independence, suggesting that Scots are more concerned with everyday issues and that the First Minister should prioritize economic matters, such as advocating for new North Sea drilling, in his discussions with the Prime Minister.
Alastair Cameron, chair of Scotland in Union, commented that public opinion does not support another referendum, predicting that Mr. Swinney would receive the same response from Mr. Burnham as the SNP has from previous Prime Ministers since 2014.