Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has urged Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney to work together on a “new deal for regional economic development” that includes the devolution of powers from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to Scottish regions.
Speaking at an event in Motherwell, Mr Burnham called for deeper devolution within Scotland, stating that power was “never supposed to stop at the doors of the Scottish Parliament” when Holyrood opened in 1999. He characterised Scotland as the “most devolved nation in the UK but ‘one of the most centralised in Europe’.”
Burnham’s Vision for Regional Empowerment
Mr Burnham’s proposal aims to create a new model of regional economic empowerment in Scotland, ensuring communities have a greater say in their own future. He wants to work with the Scottish government to spread opportunities across Scotland’s regions and cities, making them a full part of the UK government’s “rewiring the state” initiative through No10 North. According to a GOV.UK announcement, Mr Burnham emphasised that people in local areas, such as North Lanarkshire, Fife, or the Highlands, understand their communities’ needs better than ministers in either London or Edinburgh.
Crucially, Mr Burnham clarified that he would not impose a model of regional devolution akin to the metropolitan mayoral system seen in England. Instead, he seeks to agree on a collaborative path forward during an upcoming meeting with all devolved first ministers later this month. He also advocated for an end to “tribal politics” between the Scottish and UK governments, suggesting they don’t need to agree on everything to work together.
Scottish Government’s Response and Existing Reform Plans
The Scottish government has already been developing plans for a significant overhaul of its regional authorities. These plans involve replacing the current 32 local authorities with a new two-tiered system, comprising six regional authorities with powers over major issues like economic growth and education, and between 120 to 160 community authorities for more local concerns such as licensing and town centre improvements. Mr Burnham acknowledged these reforms but urged them to “move faster.”
SNP minister Stephen Flynn welcomed Mr Burnham’s offer, noting that the Scottish government had sought increased devolution since the Smith Commission report in 2014. First Minister John Swinney had also expressed interest in “working constructively” with Westminster and was “all for the Scottish Parliament having as many powers” as possible, as reported by the BBC.
Focusing Beyond Constitutional Questions
When questioned about whether devolving more power locally in Scotland would impact the likelihood of independence, Mr Burnham stated his desire to “move beyond the constitutional questions.” He emphasised that people in Scotland, like those across the UK, are suffering from the cost of living crisis, and the focus should be on practical solutions rather than “dramas” that consume too much energy. He reiterated that a second Scottish independence referendum remains “off limits,” despite previously acknowledging that a border poll would be considered if there was clear consensus.
The proposal has drawn varied reactions. UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch suggested Mr Burnham should instead focus on creating new opportunities in the energy sector, including granting new North Sea oil and gas licences. Former Labour MP Tom Harris viewed Mr Burnham’s offer as a politically astute move to challenge the SNP on its own centralisation, likening it to a “city-centre mugging” carried out with affection, making it difficult for Mr Swinney to outright reject the offer.
Mr Harris also highlighted Mr Burnham’s commitment to backing Scottish manufacturers in public procurement, citing his experience as Manchester Mayor, which he believes indicates an end to any hopes of the UK rejoining the EU or the single market, as EU rules require advertising contracts across the bloc.
Implications for Greater Manchester
As the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham’s experience in regional governance and economic development directly informs his push for similar empowerment in Scotland. His advocacy for bypassing traditional Whitehall decision-making and empowering local communities aligns with the principles of devolution that have shaped Greater Manchester’s own trajectory. This initiative underscores his broader commitment to strengthening regional power across the UK, drawing on models and lessons from his time leading Manchester.
FAQ: Andy Burnham’s Scottish Devolution Proposal
- Q: What is Andy Burnham’s main proposal to the Scottish government?
- A: Andy Burnham has invited the Scottish government to collaborate on a new deal for regional economic development, including an offer of devolution from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and for Holyrood to cede further powers to local areas.
- Q: What is the Scottish government’s current position on regional reform?
- A: The Scottish government has plans for a new two-tiered system, replacing 32 local authorities with six regional authorities (for economic growth, education) and 120-160 community authorities (for local issues like licensing). SNP minister Stephen Flynn welcomed Burnham’s offer, noting increased devolution has been requested since 2014.
- Q: How does Andy Burnham view Scottish independence?
- A: Andy Burnham believes the focus should “move beyond” constitutional questions like independence and instead concentrate on practical solutions for people facing the cost of living crisis. He has stated that a second Scottish independence referendum remains “off limits.”