Swinney wants ‘constructive conversations’ with newly appointed Burnham

Scotland’s First Minister said he wants to have “constructive conversations” with Prime Minister Andy Burnham on issues such as how to help those struggling with the cost of living.

John Swinney spoke out after the Labour leader entered Downing Street on Monday, promising to bring back “hope” to the country.

Stressing the politics had “not been good enough”, Mr Burnham said he would set out measures to “give people some breathing space” to help with the cost of living as early as Tuesday.

Mr Swinney said that “taking action on the cost of living must be an absolute priority for the new Prime Minister”.

But the SNP leader also said he wanted to talk Mr Burnham about the prospect of another Scottish independence referendum – something previous prime ministers have firmly ruled out.

Mr Swinney congratulated Mr Burnham on taking on the job, with the First Minister describing it as a “significant moment”.

The SNP leader stressed he was committed to “working constructively” with Mr Burnham to try to “to improve the lives of people in Scotland.

The First Minister said: “The UK faces a number of serious challenges at this moment, and Andy Burnham is correct when he says that Westminster is not working for the vast majority of people.

“Therefore, taking action on the cost of living must be an absolute priority for the new Prime Minister, and supporting people through sustained economic pressures will be key to restoring confidence and stability after a period of political turbulence.”

With Mr Burnham taking office just over two months after the SNP won a fifth term in power in the Holyrood election, Mr Swinney added: “The people of Scotland voted for my Government and our commitment to support people with the cost of living; ensure easier and quicker access to the NHS; and deliver the right to choose a fresh start with independence.

“I look forward to constructive conversations with the new Prime Minister about how we make that happen.”

The First Minister’s comments came as Anas Sarwar has hailed the “bold Labour vision” from Mr Burnham as he entered Downing Street.

As well as early action on the cost-of-living crisis, the former Greater Manchester mayor also promised work to end rough sleeping.

Stressing he was “acutely conscious” of becoming the seventh occupant of Number 10 in a decade, the Labour leader said politicians need to “raise our game and rise to the new challenge”.

Adding that politics had “not been good enough”, Mr Burnham said: “We will make this moment a circuit breaker for Britain, bringing forward the biggest changes in the last 40 years – a new political model and a new economic model.”

Commenting on social media, Mr Sarwar, who had called for Sir Keir Starmer to step down as prime minister back in February, welcomed the new Labour leader.

Posing on X, the Scottish Labour leader said: “End rough sleeping. Tackle the cost of living. Bring back hope.

“A bold Labour vision from the new Prime Minister. Let’s get to work.”

Meanwhile, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “Labour’s decision to boot Sir Keir Starmer out of 10 Downing Street changes absolutely nothing.

“Andy Burnham is just a new frontman for a failing left-wing government that hates aspiration, splurges vast sums of taxpayers’ money on benefits and doesn’t take our national security seriously.”

The Scottish Conservative added: “Unless Burnham rejects net-zero zealot Ed Miliband’s idiotic ban on new North Sea drilling, 1,000 jobs every month will continue to be lost and the industry will be destroyed.

“With Burnham supporting many of the SNP’s disastrous left-wing policies, Scots face a double whammy of pain and misery.

“The people of Scotland deserve better than two, out-of-touch governments who are intent on wrecking our economy and risking our energy security.”