Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out talks on holding a second Scottish independence referendum as he begins discussions with Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney.
Mr Burnham held an initial telephone conversation with Mr Swinney shortly after taking office and later travelled to Scotland for meetings with the leaders of the devolved governments.
An official Downing Street account of the telephone call said the Prime Minister wanted to establish a new political relationship based on finding common ground and creating “collaborative, practical and pragmatic” relations with the devolved administrations.
Ahead of his meeting with Mr Swinney in Glasgow, reports said Mr Burnham had made clear that further constitutional referendums were not part of his Government’s plans.
The Prime Minister’s position has been described as ruling a second independence referendum “off limits”, with Downing Street instead emphasising economic growth, public services and closer cooperation between the UK and Scottish governments.
Mr Burnham’s visit to Scotland was officially announced by Downing Street as part of a commitment to deliver economic growth “in every postcode” across the United Kingdom.
The Prime Minister was scheduled to meet both Mr Swinney and the First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth, before attending the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The Scottish Government continues to support independence and has argued that the people of Scotland should be able to determine the country’s constitutional future.
However, the power to authorise a legally recognised independence referendum remains reserved to the UK Parliament.
No formal legislative announcement has been made, but the Government’s current position is that it does not intend to enter discussions about another referendum.
Instead, Mr Burnham has said he wants relations with the devolved governments to concentrate on practical cooperation, economic growth and improvements to public services.
You can read more on the GOV.UK website: PM meeting with First Minister of Scotland John Swinney: 23 July 2026