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Burnham Announces Regional Control of Jobs Funding at Summit

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced regional control over employment support and reindustrialisation funding at a summit.
Burnham urged Scottish and Welsh governments to work jointly with the UK on deeper devolution.
Scottish First Minister Humza Swinney and Welsh leader ap Iorwerth said too many young people are unemployed.
Burnham called his plan “rewiring the state” by giving more power to regional mayors and English authorities.

Summary

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly announced she will seek a separate meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson warned that O'Neill's “arrogance” will have consequences and refused joint engagements.
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long called the block “reckless” and said it jeopardises Northern Ireland's economic future.
SDLP MP Matthew O'Toole warned the move could further galvanise Sinn Féin at the ballot box.

History

The Good Friday Agreement, signed on 10 April 1998 and approved by voters on 22 May 1998, established power-sharing institutions and ended most of the Troubles. The British-Irish Agreement entered into force on 2 December 1999, ending direct rule and creating the British-Irish Council linking Westminster, Dublin, and the devolved administrations. Today, politician Andy Burnham and First Minister Humza Swinney cite that framework as they push for broader devolution across the UK.

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The Good Friday Agreement, signed on 10 April 1998 and approved by voters on 22 May 1998, established power-sharing institutions and ended most of the Troubles. The British-Irish Agreement entered into force on 2 December 1999, ending direct rule and creating the British-Irish Council linking Westminster, Dublin, and the devolved administrations. Today, politician Andy Burnham and First Minister Humza Swinney cite that framework as they push for broader devolution across the UK.

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