PM Andy Burnham Calls Summit of UK First Ministers to Discuss Economic Growth
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called a summit for October to convene the first ministers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Hosted at the National Economic Council, the meeting aims to discuss “how we will drive good growth in every postcode across the UK”.
Reviving the National Economic Council
The summit marks the return of the National Economic Council, a body first established by the Gordon Brown administration in 2008. Downing Street confirmed the Prime Minister will use the forum to discuss growth and investment in all the countries represented.
Andy Burnham stated the objective is to have “every leader in this country signed up” to having “good jobs in every community”. Attendees will include the First Minister of Scotland, the First Minister of Wales, and the First and Deputy First Ministers of Northern Ireland.
Wales Demands Steel Funds and Energy Relief
The announcement came during Mr. Burnham’s first official visit to Wales since taking office in July, where he met with Sioned Williams, the Welsh government’s deputy first minister.
Wales enters the summit with a specific list of demands. Sioned Williams stated that Wales would seek a “fair share of the UK government’s steel fund” and advocate for an “energy social tariff to support those facing fuel poverty and struggling with high energy bills”. The Welsh government also intends to push for high standing charges in Wales to be addressed, arguing that as an “energy-rich nation,” Wales should see those benefits reflected in good jobs, stronger communities and lower bills.
The Friction of Devolution
This summit follows early diplomatic groundwork. First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth first met Mr. Burnham on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Games in July.
But collaboration has its limits. Plaid Cymru continues to pressure the UK government for discussions over more powers and funding for the Senedd. While the Welsh government is open to partnering on the cost-of-living crisis and regional investment, it remains focused on negotiations regarding “fair funding and extending devolution.”
Downing Street has characterized the meeting as part of an “open and ongoing dialogue” with the first minister.
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