Burnham says Britain may need a written constitution to be run differently
Burnham said decentralisation and local tax control show the UK needs new constitutional rules, while Scottish city-region leaders pressed for further devolution.
- Andy Burnham argued that Britain needs a written constitution to support a fundamental shift in how the country is governed, pointing to accelerating devolution and regional equality initiatives as key catalysts.
- The proposals build on his vision for a new constitutional settlement, expanding on concepts co-authored with Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram in their book Head North: A Rallying Cry For A More Equal Britain.
- Burnham emphasized the need for "good growth in every postcode," asserting that a formal constitution should act as a cornerstone to guarantee equivalent living standards and essential connectivity as basic rights across all regions.
- He warned that the UK's uncodified system disempowers local areas, leaving regional leaders forced to repeatedly fight for fundamental resources and services that ought to be guaranteed nationwide.
- The calls coincide with broader structural shifts in English devolution, as expanding metro mayor authorities and increased regional tax-retention rights gradually alter the UK's traditional balance of power.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Andy Burnham Says His Devolution Plans Strengthen Argument For Written Constitution
Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham during a visit to a family center in Sheffield, England, Friday, July 31, 2026.Andy Burnham has claimed his devolution plans strengthen his case for a written constitution for the UK.The prime minister said the UK’s “antiquated” political system needs reform if equal opportunities are to be effectively shared out across the country.Britain is one of the only major democracies without a codified arrangement w…
Since taking office just two weeks ago, the former mayor of Greater Manchester has made devolution of powers to regional authorities a priority for his government. "Ultimately, I think this paves the way for a new constitutional agreement," Mr. Burnham said this weekend regarding his devolution plans. Calling for "a new set of clear principles on how this country should be run," the Prime Minister stressed the need for a written constitution, a…
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