Andy Burnham said Britain may eventually need a written constitution as his government advances plans to reshape how power operates across the United Kingdom. Burnham constitution proposals formed the focus of his latest comments, with the prime minister arguing that wider devolution requires a new constitutional settlement. He also said the reforms aim to deliver fairer opportunities and comparable living standards in every part of the country.
Burnham made the remarks while outlining his government’s broader devolution agenda. He argued that transferring more powers to local leaders could fundamentally change how Britain is governed. The prime minister has supported constitutional reform for several years and previously promoted the idea before entering Downing Street.
According to Burnham, recent devolution plans strengthen the case for formal constitutional changes. He said Britain needs a clearer framework for sharing power between Westminster and local authorities. In addition, he argued that every community deserves equal opportunities regardless of where people live.
The prime minister repeated his ambition to deliver economic growth in every postcode. He stressed that the pledge represents a long-term national objective rather than a political slogan. Burnham also said people across the country should enjoy comparable living standards, adding that this principle could become the foundation of a future written constitution.
He argued that Britain needs clear national principles to guide government. Those principles, he said, should guarantee access to essential public services across every region. Burnham also highlighted the importance of reliable transport links and stronger digital connectivity. Furthermore, he said no community should struggle to secure basic services simply because of its location.
The prime minister also argued that constitutional reform could strengthen local decision-making. He said the government wants more areas to gain strategic regional leadership and greater control over local priorities. Ministers also plan to allow more communities to retain a larger share of local tax revenues, which Burnham believes would improve accountability.
According to the prime minister, local leaders understand the needs of their communities better than central government. Therefore, they should receive greater responsibility for economic development and long-term planning. He added that stronger local institutions could improve public services while encouraging investment across the country.
Burnham described the reforms as a significant departure from previous approaches to government. Moreover, he suggested they could reshape the relationship between Westminster and local authorities by creating a more balanced system of governance.
Britain currently operates without a single written constitutional document. Instead, its constitutional arrangements rely on legislation, legal precedents and long-established conventions. Burnham believes the country may eventually require a clearly defined constitutional framework that guarantees key rights and responsibilities while clarifying how power should operate at every level of government.
Although ministers have not announced immediate plans to introduce a written constitution, Burnham indicated that constitutional reform may become increasingly important as devolution expands. For now, the government remains focused on delivering its devolution agenda while continuing discussions about the country’s future constitutional settlement.
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