PM offers Scotland more powers in bid to move past ‘old politics of conflict’
Andy Burnham said he wanted to “move beyond the old politics of conflict” as he offered to work with the SNP to deepen devolution in Scotland.
The Prime Minister used his first major speech north of the border since entering No 10 to offer an olive branch to John Swinney, saying he wanted to work together on giving more power to local communities. Describing Scotland as “one of the most centralised nations in Europe”, he said he wanted the country to benefit from the same opportunities offered by his drive to devolve more power to English regions. He said: “I want to make a serious and genuine offer to the Scottish Government. I want to move on from the old politics of conflict.” Speaking in Motherwell, he said he wanted to design a new model of “regional, economic empowerment” across Scotland, including an offer of devolution from the Department for Work and Pensions. That would mean “localised employment support”, similar to the one in England but shaped by the government in Holyrood and not necessarily based on the same mayoral model. And he suggested such a deal could pave the way for further, “deeper” devolution, saying: “The English experience is it makes sense to put more transport powers in those places, put more housing powers in.” But he appeared to rule out the possibility of another independence referendum, saying politicians need to “move beyond the constitutional questions” and “focus on solutions for people right now”. He said: “Too much time is wasted on those dramas, it consumes too much energy. “Get into things that can make a difference in people’s lives now.” Ahead of Mr Burnham’s speech, Mr Swinney told journalists he would “of course” take the Prime Minister up on his offer of co-operation. He said he had a “track record” of “working to make sure as many powers as possible are exercised here in Scotland” and would “work constructively to make sure we bring all those powers to Scotland”. Scottish Economic Secretary Stephen Flynn had earlier said the SNP would listen to Mr Burnham’s ideas, but pushed for the power to hold another independence referendum.
Published: by Radio NewsHub