British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for a written constitution, arguing that his government's sweeping devolution agenda demands a formal, codified settlement to protect powers granted to nations and regions. The UK remains one of the few major democracies without a single constitutional text, relying instead on statutes, common law and conventions.
Burnham described devolution measures announced Friday as the most radical departure from Britain's centralised political establishment in modern memory. Under the plans, regional mayors in England will be able to retain a share of locally generated income tax by early 2028, with wealthier areas expected to redistribute a portion to less prosperous regions. Burnham cited Germany's Basic Law, which mandates equivalent living standards across states, as inspiration.
Experts cautioned the reform would be a massive constitutional undertaking requiring years of public consultation. A previous parliamentary review concluded in 2015 that no clear consensus existed on codification. Burnham has made decentralisation the hallmark of his government since taking office two weeks ago.