NEW Prime Minister Andy Burnham will visit Scotland on Thursday, but has insisted he will not discuss “constitutional changes like referendums”.
The Labour leader, who took over from Keir Starmer at the head of the UK Government on Monday, is set to visit Glasgow and hold talks with First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth.
The UK Government said that the Prime Minister would use the meetings to “set out how he plans to work collaboratively with the heads of the Scottish and Welsh devolved governments – based on a genuine partnership”.
However, Burnham himself said he was “not focused on point scoring or discussing constitutional changes like referendums”.
Burnham will also attend the opening of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which are being hosted in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2.
It is not clear if he plans to speak to the Scottish media. A spokesperson said any contact would be confirmed in the usual way, but no announcements have been forthcoming.
The Prime Minister would likely face questions over his decision to appoint outgoing Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar to the House of Lords and UK Government, which has been branded "shameful" by a senior Scottish Labour official.
In a press release announcing the visit, Burnham repeated his pledge of delivering “growth in every postcode across the UK”.
"When I say we need good growth in every postcode, I mean every postcode across the whole of the UK,” the Prime Minister said. “Every place and every person matters.
“I'm not focused on point scoring or discussing constitutional changes like referendums, I want practical measures to help people live well and bring back hope.
“That's why I'm giving families more breathing space with help on the cost of living, which I have started this week by taking VAT off electricity bills, saving money for millions of households."
A UK Government statement went on: “As the Prime Minister has said, we need to rewire the Westminster-centric system that has left too many people feeling disconnected from decision making. That's why he has set up No10 North to spread opportunity and investment more fairly across the UK and put power closer to people's lives.
“We are building a new economy, re-industrialising the United Kingdom and using public procurement to back our industry and create jobs.
“The Prime Minister is expected to meet with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland on his tour of the United Kingdom in August, where he will visit places across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
“Through this tour, the Prime Minister will hear from people about what is needed in their communities as we restore hope that's not been there in recent decades.”
