Andy Burnham tells John Swinney second referendum is 'off limits'

The new Prime Minister said it would take the focus away from growing the economy and helping families with the cost of living.

It came as he met the First Minister in Glasgow during a visit to Scotland for the Commonwealth Games.

The encounter marked the first in-person meeting between the Scottish and UK leaders since Mr Burnham became Prime Minister on Monday.

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A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister met the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, in Glasgow today, ahead of the start of the Commonwealth Games.

"The Prime Minister began by congratulating the First Minister and the city of Glasgow for hosting the Commonwealth Games, especially at short notice, and said he was looking forward to watching the opening ceremony later that evening.

"The conversation then turned to how the Prime Minister and First Minister can work more closely together to build a model of devolution to improve people's lives across Scotland.

“The Prime Minister reiterated his belief that deeper devolution could make a real difference in helping communities across the UK to re-industrialise - creating jobs, transforming high streets and reviving local economies - and welcomed the First Minister's willingness to engage with that process.

"The Prime Minister stated up front that another referendum on independence was off limits because it would take our focus away from growing the economy and helping families with the cost of living.

"More broadly, the Prime Minister said this was a moment for both sides to work together in a constructive relationship. He looked forward to regular engagement with the First Minister in the months ahead."

Mr Burnham arrived in Glasgow on Thursday to watch the opening ceremony for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, where he was joined by the King and Queen.

The Scottish government said the Prime Minister and Mr Swinney “discussed devolution and self-government, and noted that there were a number of opportunities for the devolution of further powers to improve the lives of the people of Scotland and across the UK”.

It added: “The Prime Minister made a commitment not to bypass the Scottish Parliament and Scottish government in further devolution of powers.

“The Prime Minister also firmly agreed that the way in which the UK government engages with the devolved governments must improve.

“The First Minister and Prime Minister agreed to a further conversation on constitutional matters, where powers lie across the UK, and what will work for Scotland. The First Minister made clear that this must be built on respect for Scotland’s right to choose its own future.

“The First Minister was clear that he will continue to advance the democratic argument for independence, after the mandate he secured at the elections in May, and the recent vote in the Scottish Parliament.”

Mr Swinney previously signalled he does not want to work with Douglas Alexander, the Scottish Secretary, after Mr Burnham decided to keep him in the post.

The First Minister said he would rather deal with the Prime Minister one-on-one, having accused Mr Alexander of souring relations between the UK and Scottish governments.