ANDY BURNHAM has vowed to focus on cost of living and not “discussing constitutional changes like referendums” ahead of first meetings with devolved leaders as Prime Minister.

Both the First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth come from parties committed to independence from the UK.

But as he made his way north to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, Mr Burnham made clear his devolution agenda did not run to sanctioning fresh constitutional referendums.

Ahead of the meetings, the Prime Minister echoed the sentiments on a phone call with Mr Swinney on Monday when he insisted they would have to “agree to disagree” on the constitution.

“I’m not focused on point-scoring or discussing constitutional changes like referendums, I want practical measures to help people live well and bring back hope,” he said.

“That’s why I’m giving families more breathing space with help on the cost of living, which I have started this week by taking VAT off electricity bills, saving money for millions of households.”

The First Minister of Wales responded: “I look forward to meeting the prime minister in Glasgow.

“It is fitting that we meet in Scotland, as it underlines Wales’s case for parity of powers and a fairer funding model that reflects our needs.

“‘No 10 North’ must not become just Whitehall with a different postcode. 

“I agree wholeheartedly on empowering communities — it’s at the heart of my politics — but decisions affecting Wales should be made in Wales.

“At a time when families are still feeling the pressure of the cost of living, I am also keen to discuss how our governments can work together as equal partners to deliver improvements to the lives of people in Wales.”