Burnham Calls Summit of Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish First Ministers
The prime minister, Andy Burnham, has announced that he will bring together the first ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland for a summit in the autumn. This announcement came ahead of his first official visit to Wales since assuming office in July.
Burnham emphasised his desire for "every leader in this country" to support "good jobs in every community". Downing Street confirmed that the National Economic Council, revived by Burnham, will host the meeting in October, including the first ministers of Wales and Scotland, and the first and deputy first ministers of Northern Ireland.
During his visit to south Wales, Burnham plans to engage with Welsh workers and apprentices, discussing themes such as reindustrialisation, jobs, and the cost of living. He stated, "The answers to the UK’s challenges will not come from an echo chamber. They will come from the places that know their own strengths…"
Sioned Williams, the Welsh government’s deputy first minister, welcomed the visit, highlighting calls for a fair share of the UK government’s steel fund, an energy social tariff to combat fuel poverty, and adjustments to high standing charges in Wales.
The National Economic Council, established in 2008 under the Gordon Brown administration, aims to drive growth across the UK, with Burnham seeking to discuss this with the first ministers.
