Burnham tells Swinney independence is 'off limits' at Glasgow Commonwealth Games meeting
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham met with Scottish and Welsh leaders in Glasgow to discuss inter-government relations ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Burnham explicitly stated that a second Scottish independence referendum is off the table, focusing instead on devolution and economic growth.
Why it matters
The meeting underscores the new administration's strategy to prioritize economic stability and devolution over constitutional upheaval in the UK.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Andy Burnham and John Swinney discussed inter-government relations
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has met the Scottish and Welsh first ministers ahead of the start of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Burnham spoke to John Swinney and Rhun ap Iorwerth at a series of face-to-face meetings in Glasgow.
Downing Street later said a second Scottish independence referendum was "off limits".
Swinney said the new prime minister gave a commitment not to bypass Holyrood with his plans for further devolution of power, while ap Iorwerth said he set out the case for Wales to have parity of powers with Scotland.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the prime minister congratulated Swinney and the city of Glasgow on hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
He said he was looking forward to the opening ceremony later in the evening.
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