ANDY BURNHAM “must not repeat the mistakes of his predecessors” but commit to further devolution — including powers to hold a second referendum on separation, according to the SNP.

Recent reports have suggested the former Greater Manchester mayor told Scottish Labour MPs he has no intention of sanctioning a second referendum or handing over powers to hold it — held by the Westminster government under the Scotland Act — to Holyrood when he takes the keys to No 10.

SNP Westminster leader Dave Doogan said: “Andy Burnham must not repeat the mistakes of his predecessors.

“The SNP is ready to work with Mr Burnham to devolve greater powers to the Scottish Parliament.

“That has to include transferring powers to hold an independence referendum.”

Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie responded: “The SNP’s endless attempts to deflect from their own record in government are getting old.

“According to John Swinney’s own election campaign, the SNP has no mandate for a referendum.

“The SNP was elected on a promise to fix the NHS and make life more affordable — it should focus on that.”