The Guardian view on Burnham and the devolved nations: a test for the new politics in Westminster | Editorial
The prime minister has unveiled his plans for English devolution. The picture in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is much less clear After early statements of intent on homelessness and social care, Andy Burnham capped his opening two weeks in office by addressing what one might call the English question. Plans for greater fiscal devolution to England’s mayoral authorities, unveiled last…
The prime minister has unveiled his plans for English devolution, with a focus on addressing the "English question" during Andy Burnham's first two weeks in office. The primary goal of Burnham's government is to rebalance power and resources, which have been disproportionately skewed towards London and the south-east. Manchester's No 10 North serves as a symbol of this ambition.
However, the plans for devolution in England's mayoral authorities are less clear-cut beyond England's borders. Labour suffered significant setbacks in Scotland and Wales during recent elections, with progressive nationalist parties now ruling in each devolved nation. Burnham's approach to engaging with these parties will determine the nature of the politics of compromise and consensus-building he is committed to.
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