Andy Burnham, in his first meeting with Scottish First Minister John Swinney since becoming Prime Minister on Monday, has ruled out discussing a second Scottish independence referendum, saying the two had "agreed to disagree" on the issue during an earlier phone call. Despite this constitutional impasse, Burnham says he wants to collaborate with devolved governments on practical measures, including cost-of-living support, rather than focus on "point scoring". The visit is notable as a departure from predecessor Sir Keir Starmer's approach to Scotland, where Labour suffered its worst Holyrood election result since devolution began.

The Thursday meeting in Glasgow coincides with the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which Burnham will attend alongside the King and Queen. Complicating relations, Swinney has said he would rather deal directly with the Prime Minister than Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, whom he accuses of souring UK-Scottish government relations. Burnham also plans to meet Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, who is pressing for "parity of powers" for Wales, and is expected to meet Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers during a wider UK tour in August. Separately, Burnham is reportedly set to make Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar a minister, requiring Sarwar to move from Holyrood to the House of Lords.