PM speech in Scotland: 16 October 2026

Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed an audience in Motherwell, Scotland, emphasizing his commitment to ‘place-first’ politics and rejecting Westminster-centric governance. He highlighted his personal ties to Scotland, including attending the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow and visiting during the festive season. Burnham acknowledged Motherwell’s current position in the SPL standings, joking about Manchester’s rivalry with the city while underscoring his engagement with Scottish communities. He framed his leadership as a departure from traditional Westminster politics, citing his earlier role as Mayor of Greater Manchester and his advocacy for devolved power to regions across the UK.

Burnham reiterated his belief that politics should prioritize local needs over party interests, a principle he first articulated upon entering Downing Street in July. He contrasted this approach with his past frustrations as a northern leader, where he felt Westminster’s treatment of regions like Scotland and the North West was inadequate. The Prime Minister stressed that his return to Westminster was driven by a desire to reform governance, not perpetuate its existing structures. His speech in Motherwell served as a demonstration of this commitment to collaborative, place-based decision-making.

The Prime Minister outlined his vision for ‘good growth’ in every postcode, explicitly including Scotland in this pledge. He argued that empowering local communities and regions was essential to achieving this goal, citing examples from Manchester and nearby areas as evidence of successful devolved initiatives. Burnham’s address in Motherwell was positioned as part of a broader effort to rebuild trust in politics by aligning governance with local priorities. He framed Scotland as a key partner in this endeavor, emphasizing shared frustrations with centralised decision-making.

Burnham concluded by reaffirming his dedication to changing Westminster’s traditional ways, positioning himself as an advocate for Scotland’s interests within the UK. He referenced his past experiences as a northern leader to illustrate his understanding of Scotland’s challenges and his resolve to address them. The speech in Motherwell was presented as a tangible step toward his vision of a more inclusive and responsive political system, with Scotland playing a central role in this transformation.