Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, has said he intends to use a UK-wide economic summit hosted by Andy Burnham next month to press the case for a fresh independence referendum, arguing the Union is "falling apart". Mr Swinney plans to align with nationalist leaders in Wales and Northern Ireland at the National Economic Council to argue that the Prime Minister cannot sustain what he calls an "undemocratic position" of refusing another vote, framing the gathering as a potential turning point for the independence cause.

The summit, organised by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, is intended to bring together the First Ministers of the three devolved nations to discuss boosting the UK economy and creating jobs, including through greater devolution to cities and regions. Downing Street reiterated as recently as Friday that a referendum remains "off the table", after Mr Swinney published draft legislation for one, while the Scottish Conservatives accused him of prioritising a "constitutional stunt" over help for Scottish businesses.