The prime minister has suggested another Scottish independence referendum could be held - if public opinion shows demand for one. Andy Burnham previously told First Minister John Swinney that a second referendum was "off limits". But, speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, Burnham appeared to indicate a vote could be held if there was clear public support, comparing the situation to the conditions for a border poll in Northern Ireland.
Swinney said it was the first time since 2014 that a prime minister had "accepted that majority support for a referendum should mean one takes place." The first minister added: "To go from 'off limits' to this is an acceptance of the reality that the people of Scotland will decide their own future - not the UK government." Since 2014 successive UK governments have opposed any further referendums. Scotland previously voted against becoming an independent country by 55% to 45%. In 2022 the UK Supreme Court ruled that any further vote would require the agreement of the UK government.
The topic was raised in Westminster in response to SNP MP Chris Law. Burnham said the Good Friday Agreement made clear that a border poll would be "considered by the Northern Ireland Secretary when there is a clear consensus in the country, when public opinion has changed to the point where the call has to be considered." The prime minister added: "I would say exactly the same situation in Scotland. "I am not aware that there is a majority of public support for another referendum and until that changes there won't be one." Downing Street said despite the comments there had been no change in the prime minister's position.
Burnham's spokesman said: "The PM has been repeatedly clear on this. "In his call with the Scottish first minister in his first week, the PM stated upfront that another referendum on independence was off limits and, as our election manifesto makes clear, Labour does not support independence or another referendum." Last month the Scottish government published its draft independence referendum bill in which Swinney called on the UK government to "respect the voice of the Scottish people and parliament and transfer the necessary powers" in order to hold the vote. The SNP had promised to publish the draft legislation in their first 100 days in government after the Scottish election in May.
Swinney said: "The world has changed fundamentally since 2014. So has the UK, and so has Scotland. The Scottish people are ready.
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