Burnham rules out Scottish independence referendum in Glasgow talks

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham ruled out a new Scottish independence referendum on Thursday during talks with Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney in Glasgow, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. The decision matters because Scotland’s government has continued to press for another vote after Brexit, while London says its new government wants to concentrate on economic issues.

Burnham, who became prime minister on July 20, said another referendum would draw attention away from efforts to expand the economy and reduce the cost of living. Those goals have been presented as central priorities for his administration, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

Will Scotland get another independence referendum?

Burnham’s position is that another vote is off the table. Britain’s top court has ruled that Scotland’s government cannot stage a second independence referendum without approval from the British parliament.

Scotland last voted on independence in 2014. In that referendum, 55 percent of voters chose to remain in the United Kingdom.

The Scottish government has argued for another vote since the UK left the European Union. Al Jazeera and Reuters reported that Scottish officials say circumstances changed after Brexit, which 62 percent of Scottish voters opposed.

Swinney has said independence could move Scotland out of “political chaos and economic stagnation” and toward “greater security and prosperity” as a member of the European Union. Burnham has taken the opposite position on reopening the constitutional question.

What did Burnham say to Swinney?

Burnham reportedly told Swinney in a Tuesday call that they would have to “agree to disagree” on independence, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. In a statement shared by the UK government, Burnham said: “I’m not focused on point scoring or discussing constitutional changes like referendums.”

Burnham said his government would instead pursue “practical measures to help people live well” across “every postcode” in the UK. The comment fits with his stated aim of making cost-of-living pressures and growth the focus of his early days in office.

At the Glasgow meeting, Burnham also discussed plans for devolution, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. He has argued that giving more authority to local areas can help revive weaker economies.

Downing Street said Burnham welcomed Swinney’s “willingness to engage in that process”. The statement did not change the prime minister’s rejection of a new independence vote.

What happens next?

Burnham was also scheduled to meet Wales First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth later on Thursday. He was then due to attend the opening of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The independence dispute remains a clear point of disagreement between the UK government and Scotland’s devolved leadership. For now, Burnham is signaling that his government will discuss local powers and economic measures, while refusing to authorize another referendum.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.