Burnham Seeks New Devolution Deal for English Regions After Glasgow Meeting
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has called for a significant transfer of power from Westminster to England's regions, following discussions with the leaders of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The meeting in Glasgow, which included Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf, Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething, and Northern Ireland's Minister of Finance Caoimhe Archibald, addressed the potential for a 'Team UK' approach to national challenges, but also highlighted persistent imbalances in governance.
Mr Burnham, who convened the summit, emphasised that the current devolution model has left England's regions disadvantaged. He argued that while Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have distinct legislative powers, English cities and counties receive only limited devolved authority, predominantly through 'trailblazer' deals with central government. This disparity, he suggested, undermines the UK's overall capacity to address issues ranging from economic development to public services.
The discussions were framed around the principle of ensuring 'no nation left behind', a sentiment that, for many English regional leaders, extends to their own areas within the UK structure. Critics of the current centralised system often point to the concentration of economic and political power in London, arguing that a more robust devolution framework for England is crucial for genuinely rebalancing the country. However, the extent to which Westminster is prepared to relinquish control remains a contentious issue, given the historical reluctance to cede significant powers without clear material or political imperatives.
