No 10 responds to Cardiff nationalist meeting - saying Prime Minister focused on easing the cost-of-living crisis not 'constitutional debates'

Andy Burnham believes strongly in the United Kingdom – but is focused on easing the cost-of-living crisis for households across the country rather than on “constitutional debates”, Downing Street has said.

The comments came following a meeting of leaders from the devolved nations in Cardiff, where the first ministers of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales came together to sign a pledge on behalf of their respective parties.

First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald during a meeting at Voco St. David's Cardiff, to discuss the "pursuit of a different attitude" from the UK Government and the future of independence for their respective countries. Picture date: Monday September 14, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

placeholder image — First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald during a meeting at Voco St. David's Cardiff, to discuss the "pursuit of a different attitude" from the UK Government and the future of independence for their respective countries. Picture date: Monday September 14, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

A formal agreement was later concluded between the Scottish and Welsh governments, as Northern Ireland’s joint-leader Michelle O’Neill did not have the backing of her DUP partner for any such deal.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister is committed to delivering change across all four nations of the United Kingdom and believes strongly in the Union.

“The United Kingdom is at its best when people come together around our shared values and problem-solving, rather than division, and the Prime Minister will continue to ease pressures on household finances, and delivering greater economic security, rather than engaging in constitutional debates or further referendums.”

Asked if the UK Government had sent a representative to the meeting, the spokesman said: “In terms of the nature of that meeting, and indeed his approach more broadly, he works closely with the first and deputy first ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“That work is based on partnership and collaboration.

“The Prime Minister remains focused on that partnership and on the issues that matter most to families across the UK, which includes easing pressures on household finances and delivering greater economic security, rather than engaging in constitutional debates or further referendums.”

Later on Monday, the death of Roy Burnham, the Prime Minister’s father, was announced. He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Andy Burnham has previously spoken publicly about his father’s illness, which meant that he did not know his son had become Prime Minister.