Prime Minister Andy Burnham told Scottish leader John Swinney that a second independence referendum is "off limits," arguing another vote would detract from efforts to grow the economy and ease the cost of living. The two met in Glasgow on 23 July ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, alongside Welsh leader Rhun ap Iorwerth.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said the leaders agreed to disagree on independence, while Swinney insisted the democratic question of Scotland's future must eventually be answered. Swinney did secure a commitment that Westminster would not bypass Holyrood with its devolution plans.
Ap Iorwerth called for Wales to receive parity of powers with Scotland, including devolved policing and justice. Burnham, who plans to relocate his official residence to Manchester, said deeper devolution could help re-industrialise the UK. Scotland last voted on independence in 2014, rejecting separation by 55%.