Burnham Pushes for Written Constitution Amid Devolution Plans
Greater Manchester Mayor links increased regional powers to fundamental shift in UK governance, contrasting with North Sea drilling reports.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Carla Rooney
Andy Burnham has unveiled plans for increased devolution across the UK.
Burnham, serving as Greater Manchester Mayor for a decade, previously championed a written constitution in his 2024 book, _Head North: A Rallying Cry for a More Equal Britain_, co-authored with Steve Rotheram.
The United Kingdom currently operates without a formal written constitution, relying instead on common law, statutes, and established conventions.
Burnham argues Britain requires a written constitution as the country adopts a 'different approach' to national administration, insisting this shift necessitates a new foundational document.
In the end, I think it does start to point towards a new constitutional settlement, particularly with what Steve and I were writing about with that commitment to equivalent living standards.
Burnham claims a new, clear set of principles must govern the country's operation, including minimum basics related to essentials and connectivity across all UK regions.
He asserted, 'I think there is a case for a new clear set of principles about how this country should be run and things that should be minimum basics in all parts of the country, related to essentials and connectivity.'
The Mayor believes arguing for fundamental provisions already available elsewhere constitutes an injustice, stating the lack of a constitution disempowers regions in such situations, hindering their progress.
It's wrong that people are left arguing for things that are just fundamental, and they're given in other parts of the country, and the lack of a constitution disempowers places in that situation.
His devolution proposals grant every area the right to become a strategic authority, allowing regions to retain more of their income tax and business rates.
Regional mayors and strategic authorities would begin retaining a greater share of locally generated revenues, starting with business rates from spring 2025; further details on income tax retention will appear in a roadmap at the Budget.
Burnham confirmed, 'What's coming through is we're starting to say that everywhere will have the right to be a strategic authority, everywhere will have the right to retain more of their income tax, business rates.'
He further claimed these changes signal a very different approach to national governance, arguing this new approach necessitates a new constitutional framework to guide its implementation.
Burnham stated, 'That does start to take you into the realms of a very different approach to running the country.'
He maintains the country must ensure everyone can live a comparable life, affirming this goal should guide all national efforts and policy decisions.
Burnham affirmed, 'We need to have a country where everyone, in the end, can live a comparable life. That should be what we're working towards.'
These constitutional discussions unfold as the Labour manifesto prohibits the issuance of new North Sea drilling licences.
However, the Rosebank oil field and Jackdaw gas field received approval under the previous Conservative government; these projects now face legal challenges, complicating energy policy.
The Prime Minister reportedly indicated a pragmatic approach to North Sea drilling in a phone call with Donald Trump, suggesting a potential divergence from Labour's stated position.
Donald Trump, however, claims Andy Burnham promised him he would open up North Sea oil, a statement that directly contradicts Labour's official policy and creates significant political tension.