Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham signals support for a written constitution for the UK, which currently does not have a single authoritative constitutional document. Speaking shortly after taking office, Burnham links the idea of constitutional change to his wider focus on devolution and a “new constitutional settlement.” According to reporting from both outlets, Burnham argues that his devolution plans point toward a broader shift in how the country is governed. He says the UK needs a “new clear set of principles” for how it should be run and suggests that the absence of a written constitution leaves people debating fundamental issues without clear grounding. Burnham also frames the lack of a written constitution as something that disempowers places affected by disputes over national rules and governance arrangements. He previously called for a written constitution before becoming prime minister. Both sources describe Burnham’s position as emerging within the first weeks of his premiership and presented alongside his efforts to devolve powers to regional authorities.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham backs move toward a written constitution
Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham signals support for a written constitution for the UK, which currently does not have a single authoritative constitutional document. Speaking shortly after ta...
- Andy Burnham, newly appointed UK prime minister, signals support for a written constitution.
- Both reports note the UK currently lacks a single authoritative constitutional document unlike most countries.
- Burnham connects the constitutional idea to his early devolution and power-sharing plans.
- He calls for a clear set of principles on how the country should be run.
- Both sources say Burnham has advocated for a written constitution before taking office.
LONDON: Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled his support for a written Constitution for the UK, which unlike most countries, does not have one authoritative document. Since entering office just two weeks ago, the former mayor of Greater Manchester has made devolution of power to regional authorities a focus of his administration. “In the end, I think it does start to point towards a new constitutional settlement,” Burnham said of his devolution plans. Calling for a “new clear set of principles about how this country should be run”, Burnham said there was a need for a written Constitution – something he has called for before he was prime minister. “It’s wrong that people are left arguing for things that are just fundamental… and the lack of a Constitution disempowers places in that situation,” said Burnham. Unlike most countries around the world, Britain does not have a written constitution. Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2026
3 hours agoBritain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled his support for a written constitution for the UK, which unlike most countries, does not have one authoritative document. Since entering office just two weeks ago, the former mayor of Greater Manchester has made devolution of power to regional authorities a focus of his administration. “In the end, I think it does start to point towards a new constitutional settlement,” Burnham said of his devolution plans. Calling for a “new clear set of...
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