Lead

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled his support for a written constitution for the United Kingdom, arguing that his government's devolution programme strengthens the case for codifying how the nation is governed. The UK is one of only a few major democracies without a written constitution, a document that sets out fundamental rules in a single authoritative text.

Speaking about his decentralisation plans, Burnham said the changes point towards a "new constitutional settlement." He called for a "new clear set of principles about how this country should be run," adding that the lack of a constitution "disempowers places" and leaves people "arguing for things that are just fundamental."

Coverage comparison

Reports from Dawn and The Guardian both highlighted Burnham's remarks, though they placed different emphasis on the implications. Dawn's coverage focused on the prime minister's support for a written constitution as a way to establish clear principles, describing the lack of such a document as a disempowering factor for certain regions. The Guardian's report framed the devolution plans as strengthening the case for a codified arrangement, linking the move to addressing deep inequality across the UK.

The Guardian also included expert analysis on the potential significance of such a change, while Dawn's report centred on Burnham's direct quotes and the broader contrast between the UK and most other countries.

Key claims

  • Burnham's devolution programme strengthens the case for a written constitution, according to multiple reports.
  • The UK lacks a written constitution, placing it among a small number of major democracies without one.
  • Under devolution plans announced last week, regional mayors across England will be able to keep a share of income tax generated in their area by early 2028, as reported by The Guardian.
  • Economic powerhouses such as London, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands will share some of their revenue with less prosperous regions like Hull and East Yorkshire, a claim carried by The Guardian.
  • Adopting a written constitution would represent a significant constitutional shift and a major exercise, according to The Guardian's analysis.
  • A fully codified constitution would need to encompass all rules structuring the UK state, extending beyond devolution, as noted by The Guardian.
  • Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London, told The Guardian that introducing a written constitution would be a "huge departure" historically, typically undertaken after revolutions or wars that delegitimised former regimes.
Burnham's comments come just two weeks after he entered office. He has long believed the UK's political system needs an overhaul to share opportunity equally, and he described the devolution measures outlined on Friday as the most radical departure from the country's overcentralised establishment. The "rewiring" of the UK, he said, had "gone to a new level of seriousness," with decision-making shifting from Whitehall to mayors and local authorities through No 10 North.

The prime minister said the UK needed to devise a "codified model of devolution" that works for Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the English regions. He reiterated his pledge of "good growth in every postcode," calling it "more than just a soundbite."

The Guardian reported that it remains unclear how the UK government would approach such significant constitutional change. Dr Hannah White, whose views were included in The Guardian's analysis, also contributed expert opinion on the implications, though her specific remarks were not detailed in the available material.