Is UK heading for a breakup?
Burnham made the remarks during Prime Minister’s questions, a convention in the UK where the PM spends 30 minutes answering questions from MPs every Wednesday afternoon.
John Swinney, the SNP leader and Scottish first minister, has seized on the changing political landscape, claiming Burnham was “facing up to the idea that he will go down in history as the final prime minister of the United Kingdom”. Earlier reporting noted: This comes in the wake of remarks made by United States President Donald Trump during his visit to Dublin, wherein he said he would “love” to see a united Ireland. Earlier reporting noted: United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham had also suggested to Members of Parliament (MPs) in the country that he would authorise another Scottish referendum if there were a “clear consensus” in favour of one, according to The Telegraph. Earlier reporting noted: He said the “same situation” applies to Scotland.
The comments have added to pressure on the Burnham-led UK government as nationalist parties push for a greater say over their nations’ futures. The balance of power across the devolved nations has shifted significantly following Labour’s poor performance in Wales at May’s elections. For the first time, pro-independence parties are now in government across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party in the Cardiff Senedd, paving the way for its leader Rhun ap Iowerth to become Wales’ First Minister. In Scotland, the SNP remained the dominant political force despite losing six Holyrood seats, with Reform and the Greens making gains. Burnham’s recent remarks have already opened the door to renewed debate over Scottish independence.
During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, he said another referendum could be held if public opinion backed one.
The leaders of the three devolved nations are set to meet in Wales’ Cardiff for an unprecedented summit, where they are expected to sign a joint declaration asserting their right to hold independence referendums and determine their own constitutional futures, according to The Telegraph. During a visit to Dublin on Saturday, Trump said he would “love” to see a united Ireland, describing Northern Ireland joining the Republic as “a great thing” and asking: “How can it be bad?” The issue has gained further momentum after US President Donald Trump weighed in on Irish reunification.