- Burnham has told Swinney that a second Scottish independence referendum is 'off limits' during a meeting at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
- During the meeting, Burnham emphasized that a new referendum would detract from efforts to grow the economy and address the cost of living crisis.
- Swinney described the meeting as 'very constructive', focusing on areas of common purpose such as the cost of living and strengthening the economy.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham met with Scottish Deputy First Minister John Swinney in Glasgow, where he reiterated that a second Scottish independence referendum is 'off limits'. Burnham emphasized that such a referendum would detract from efforts to grow the economy and address the cost of living crisis.1234
During the meeting, which was described as 'very constructive' by Swinney, the two leaders discussed areas of 'common purpose', including economic strengthening and the cost of living. Burnham expressed hope that devolution could aid in re-industrializing the UK, creating jobs, and reviving local economies.
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that Burnham congratulated Glasgow on hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games and stated that the conversation focused on how the prime minister and first minister could collaborate to improve lives across Scotland. Burnham remarked, 'I’m not focused on point scoring or discussing constitutional changes like referendums', indicating a clear priority on practical measures over constitutional debates.
Scotland's previous independence referendum in 2014 resulted in 55 percent voting to remain in the UK, but the Scottish government argues that conditions have changed since the UK's Brexit decision, which 62 percent of Scots opposed. The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the Scottish government cannot hold a second referendum without British parliament approval.
“Scotland's 2014 independence referendum saw 55% vote to remain, though the Scottish government argues Brexit changed conditions since 62% of Scots opposed leaving the EU. Swinney described the meeting as 'very constructive,' saying they discussed cost of living and economic growth, while Downing Street confirmed Burnham congratulated Glasgow on hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.”
