No nation left behind' says Burnham after meeting first ministers in Glasgow

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has insisted that the United Kingdom's four nations must move at the same pace together to devolve more power to regions and cities, following a high-stakes summit in Glasgow. Speaking after the inaugural National Economic Council, Burnham declared that he wanted to ensure no nation was left behind in the pursuit of regional empowerment and economic growth, though his insistence on collective momentum has drawn mixed reactions from devolved leaders across Scotland and Wales.

The summit brought together Scottish First Minister John Swinney and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth, alongside officials representing Northern Ireland amid ongoing political fallout from the Drumcree parade dispute. According to BBC reporting, discussions centred on handing regional authorities greater control over employment support and funding for reindustrialisation, with particular focus on youth unemployment. Prime Minister Burnham emphasised that growth cannot wait and that citizens in all parts of the UK need to see tangible improvements in employment and living standards.

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Devolution has remained central to Radio News Hub coverage since Burnham entered Downing Street. The Prime Minister has repeatedly pledged to rewire the state by empowering regional mayors and authorities across England. However, national-level devolution has proved more complex. While Burnham has agreed to listen to administrations calling for extended powers, he has maintained that the devolved governments must simultaneously share more responsibilities with their own local authorities, a view echoed by Defence Secretary Wes Streeting during broadcast interviews in Scotland.

The summit also exposed sharp contrasts in how the devolved leaders view their relationships with Westminster. Writing for Wales Online, reporting detailed Rhun ap Iorwerth's assertion that Wales had won the argument on crucial fiscal flexibilities. Ap Iorwerth stated he secured assurances that achieving parity with Scotland on borrowing powers and financial flexibility is now a matter of when and how, rather than if. Current fiscal disparities highlight the urgency of these demands for Cardiff.

The financial constraints have tangible consequences for public services. Wales previously lost significant sums when funds were seized by the Treasury due to spending timeframes and restrictions preventing capital reserves from easing day-to-day pressures on health services. Beyond borrowing powers, ap Iorwerth noted that discussions touched upon tax exemptions required for the Cynnal pilot, which aims to provide weekly payments to vulnerable families. Yet friction remains over other areas, with the Welsh leader pointing out that Whitehall continues to act as a barrier regarding policing and justice, alongside lingering concerns over rail funding inadequacies highlighted in recent budgets.

Meanwhile, Scottish leadership struck a cautiously cooperative tone despite fundamental constitutional disagreements. SNP leader John Swinney welcomed the Prime Minister's recognition that traditional governance models require reform, stating that he would work constructively and collaboratively to devolve powers over employability and the Department for Work and Pensions to Holyrood. Nevertheless, Downing Street made clear that while administrative powers and innovation funding are open for discussion, a second independence referendum remains firmly off the table.

To spearhead the next phases of reform, Downing Street confirmed the launch of a policy sprint led by Number 10 North, bringing together officials from all participating governments to explore regional empowerment, reindustrialisation, and secure growth across every postcode. The process will be closely watched by regional leaders as they prepare for the next meeting of the National Economic Council, scheduled to be hosted in Cardiff in spring 2027.