Burnham sparks new Scottish independence debate after PMQs comments

LocalPolitics
10 Sep 2026 • 5:24 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Burnham sparks new Scottish independence debate after PMQs comments

  • Andy Burnham has indicated that a second Scottish independence referendum could be considered if there is a clear shift in public consensus, drawing parallels to the border poll criteria outlined in the Good Friday Agreement for Northern Ireland.
  • Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney welcomed the statements, describing them as an acknowledgement that Scottish voters, rather than the UK Government, should determine the nation's political future.
  • Downing Street and Mr Burnham’s press secretary subsequently clarified that there has been no change in official policy, reiterating that a second referendum remains off limits and that Labour opposes Scottish independence.
  • The Scottish Government has already published a draft Independence Referendum Bill, proposing the question of whether Scotland should be an independent country, intended for introduction at Holyrood once necessary powers are granted.
  • A motion urging Westminster to devolve the required powers under Section 30 of the Scotland Act 1998 previously passed in the Scottish Parliament by 72 votes to 55 following the SNP's re-election.

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