UK’s Burnham tells Scotland new independence vote is off limits

Visiting Scotland, Burnham says a new referendum would detract from efforts to grow the economy.Published On 23 Jul 202623 Jul 2026British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has closed the door on a new vote for Scottish independence, saying such a referendum is off limits.Burnham, who became premier on July 20, made the remarks during a meeting with Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney in Glasgow on Thursday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Why a North Sea oilfield is emerging as British PM Burnham’s big testlist 2 of 3What’s next as Andy Burnham takes over as UK’s next prime minister?list 3 of 3Farage, Reform in ‘trouble’, as UK braces for crypto influence in politicsend of listHe said a new Scottish independence referendum would detract from efforts to grow the economy and bring down the cost of living, which he has made a major priority of his new administration.Scotland held an independence referendum in 2014 in which 55 percent of people voted to remain part of the United Kingdom.But Scotland’s government has since pushed for another vote, arguing conditions have changed with the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, which 62 percent of Scots opposed.Swinney has ...