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Burnham Rejects Second Scottish Independence Referendum, Says No Consensus

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 4:05 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham told Scottish First Minister John Swinney a second independence referendum is off limits.
Burnham said no clear public consensus exists for another Scottish vote, mirroring his stance on a Northern Ireland poll.
Labour leader Keir Starmer reiterated Labour’s manifesto commitment to oppose Scottish independence and any further referendum.
The 2022 Supreme Court ruled the Scottish Parliament cannot hold another referendum without Westminster’s consent.

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Story summary

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham told Scottish First Minister John Swinney a second independence referendum is off limits.
Burnham said no clear public consensus exists for another Scottish vote, mirroring his stance on a Northern Ireland poll.
Labour leader Keir Starmer reiterated Labour’s manifesto commitment to oppose Scottish independence and any further referendum.
The 2022 Supreme Court ruled the Scottish Parliament cannot hold another referendum without Westminster’s consent.