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Politics · 21 July 2026

Andy Burnham told John Swinney to 'agree to disagree' on independence

Andy Burnham told John Swinney to 'agree to disagree' on independence

Andy Burnham told Scotland's First Minister John Swinney they would have to "agree to disagree" on Scottish independence during their first phone call on Tuesday. A UK government source said Mr Burnham isn't focused on the issue, despite Mr Swinney stressing Holyrood's pro-independence majority. Both leaders described the call as positive and want to work together on other issues.

Reported by BBC · How we write briefs

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