Andy Burnham dodges question on second Scottish independence vote

Andy Burnham dodges question on second Scottish independence vote Labour 'does not have clear position' on another referendum north of the border, say Tories Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Steph Spyro , Deputy political editor and environment editor 15:21, Fri, Oct 16, 2026 Updated: 15:28, Fri, Oct 16, 2026 Andy Burnham has urged John Swinney to 'work together' with the UK (Image: Getty) Andy Burnham has dodged questions on whether there could be a second Scottish independence referendum during his premiership. The Prime Minister said he set out his views on the issue “very clearly” while meeting First Minister John Swinney on a visit to Motherwell on Friday. But when Mr Burnham was asked to rule out a second Scottish independence referendum during his time in Downing Street, he said: “I think unions of countries are better because you can face a challenging world in a more confident and stronger way, in my view, when you collaborate and you work together.” Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT He said he had communicated his view to Mr Swinney, adding: “ He has a different view , but let’s accept there’s a different view there and then work together on what we can agree on. My view won’t be changing, but let’s now move forward where we can make some progress.” Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Fiona Bruce forced to intervene as Labour MP fumes at 'corrupt old boys' jibe at EU Fury after not one single female Labour backbench MP seen attending debate on migrants Mr Swinney is expected to promote his renewed push for independence in his keynote speech at the SNP conference on Saturday. He previously welcomed Mr Burnham telling MPs that a border poll would be considered in both Scotland and Northern Ireland if there was a clear consensus and public opinion had changed. But Mr Burnham later pushed back on that by telling Mr Swinney that a second Scottish independence referendum remains "off limits". Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who visited Glasgow on Friday, challenged Mr Burnham to rule out a second Scottish independence referendum. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT When asked whether Mr Burnham should make an unequivocal statement on the issue, she said: "He should. The Conservative Party is very clear on that. Labour does not have a clear position." Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Mr Burnham said he wanted to “move beyond the old politics of conflict” as he offered to work with the SNP to deepen devolution in Scotland. The Prime Minister used his first major speech north of the border since entering No 10 to offer an olive branch to Mr Swinney, saying he wanted to work together on giving more power to local communities. Describing Scotland as “one of the most centralised nations in Europe”, he said he wanted the country to benefit from the same opportunities offered by his drive to devolve more power to English regions. He said: “I want to make a serious and genuine offer to the Scottish Government. I want to move on from the old politics of conflict.” Scottish independence John Swinney Andy Burnham Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments