Prime Minister Andy Burnham Advocates for Written UK Constitution

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signaled his support for replacing the United Kingdom's system of statutes and common law with a written constitution. Arguing that current unwritten arrangements are murky and antiquated, Burnham claims the existing system hoards power in Whitehall and Westminster, contributing to national inequality.

This constitutional shift aligns with a broader program of decentralization. On July 31, Burnham announced plans to allow regional mayors in England to retain a share of locally collected income tax by early 2028. He also proposed redistributing funds from economic hubs like London to less prosperous regions by late October and granting regions the right to become strategic authorities.

Burnham envisions a codified model based on the principle of equivalent living standards and good growth in every postcode. He asserts that a formal settlement is necessary to ensure all citizens can live a comparable life and to prevent disputes over fundamental governance. The proposed process would likely involve multi-year public inquiries and consultations.

The initiative has drawn criticism from Scottish leaders. Susan Aitken and Norman Hampshire have demanded a similar second-stage devolution settlement for Scotland's Central Belt, arguing that current funding disparities create an inequity that only the UK government can resolve.