UK’s Burnham tells Scotland new independence vote is off limits

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing its staff and Reuters, reported that British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out authorising another referendum on Scottish independence, saying the issue is “off limits” as his new government prioritises economic growth and easing living costs. Burnham made the position clear during a visit to Glasgow on Thursday, where he met Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney. He had become prime minister on July 20.

The report said Burnham argued that reopening the independence question would distract from what he describes as practical work to improve living standards across the United Kingdom. According to Al Jazeera, Burnham and Swinney had already discussed the matter by phone on Tuesday, with Burnham indicating they would have to differ on the constitutional issue. Downing Street said Burnham instead raised plans for further devolution, intended to give local areas more power and autonomy, and welcomed Swinney’s readiness to engage with that process.

Scotland voted against independence in 2014, with 55 percent choosing to remain in the UK. The Scottish government has continued to seek a second vote, arguing that circumstances changed after Brexit, which most voters in Scotland opposed. Swinney has argued that independence could offer Scotland more stability and prosperity, including a potential route back toward EU membership.

The legal backdrop remains central: the UK Supreme Court has ruled that Scotland cannot hold another independence referendum without approval from the British parliament. Burnham’s stance therefore signals that, at least under his new administration, the Scottish government faces no immediate path to a sanctioned vote.