Prime Minister Burnham Offers Deeper Devolution, Urges Scots Beyond Independence

Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged Scots to move beyond the question of independence on Friday, speaking in Motherwell.

He made clear his support for Scotland remaining part of the UK and offered deeper devolution to the country, aiming to move on from the old politics of conflict between London and Edinburgh. Burnham set out proposals to give more power to local communities in Scotland, mirroring his efforts south of the border. He invited the SNP government to work with his administration on this, specifically offering to devolve DWP powers on localized employment support.

When asked explicitly if he would rule out a second Scottish independence referendum for the duration of his premiership, Burnham declined to do so, a moment Stephen Flynn of the SNP described as "." However, Downing Street sources later told The Telegraph that Burnham had, in fact, ruled out the vote for as long as he was in No 10.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney stated he would work with the Prime Minister if he wants to devolve more powers to Scotland, citing his track record of supporting power exercise in Scotland. Stephen Flynn told Burnham there is a shortcut to be had to devolve more power by granting a second referendum on independence. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed Burnham's proposals as navel-gazing and insisted Scottish politicians all have the powers that they need.