Full Breakdown
Burnham Offers New Devolution Deal to Scotland Amid Scottish National Party (SNP) Conference
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Offer and Immediate Context
Prime Minister Andy Burnham used a speech in Motherwell to present a “serious and genuine” offer to the Scottish Government for deeper regional devolution. He proposed that the Department for Work and Pensions transfer employment-support powers to newly created Scottish regions and that “localised employment support” be shaped by Holyrood rather than imposed from England.
Background & Context
In May 2026 the Scottish Government announced a plan to replace the 32 local authorities with six regional bodies, giving them authority over economic growth and education, while creating 120-160 community councils for local matters. Burnham’s proposal adds a layer of regional empowerment, mirroring the English “No 10 North” model but without English-style metropolitan mayors.
Data & Statistics
- PF Global polling found 46 % of Scots hold a favourable view of Burnham, roughly double the rating for Labour leader Keir Starmer.
- Ipsos research shows 42 % of Scots would be happy about a closer working relationship between Holyrood and Westminster, up 12 points since the May 2026 election.
- A YouGov poll on the eve of the SNP conference indicated fewer than 20 % consider another independence referendum a political priority.
Official Statements & Responses
Stephen Flynn, Scottish Economy Secretary, said the First Minister had sent a letter outlining several points for engagement, noting that “employment-support powers” were number seven on that list.
John Swinney, First Minister and SNP leader, expressed willingness to work constructively with Westminster and reiterated his desire for “as many powers as possible” for the Scottish Parliament.
Why It Matters
The proposal sits at the intersection of three contested issues: the future shape of UK devolution, the political viability of a second Scottish independence referendum, and the economic strategy for post-pandemic recovery. By shifting powers to sub-national regions, the UK government aims to address SNP criticism that power is overly concentrated in Edinburgh while attempting to undercut nationalist arguments that further devolution inevitably leads to independence. The stance on the referendum—ruling it “off limits” while acknowledging “no clear consensus”—highlights the balance the Prime Minister seeks between unionist stability and regional empowerment.
What’s Next
Burnham has scheduled a meeting with all devolved first ministers at the end of the month to discuss the proposal further. The Scottish Government’s letter to Downing Street signals that detailed negotiations on the scope of regional powers are forthcoming.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I want to make a serious and genuine offer to the Scottish Government. I want to move on from the old politics of conflict.” — Andy Burnham
- “We are in a situation where Andy Burnham is actively and unilaterally opening up the conversation about whether we are able to go back to results of referendums and relitigate those decisions while saying that that same democratic principle does not apply to the people of Scotland,” said Lara Bird, the MP for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry.” — Lara Bird
- “Get into things that can make a difference in people’s lives now.” — Andy Burnham