Andy Burnham has said his devolution programme strengthens the case for a written constitution for the UK, a move The Guardian reports would fundamentally change the centuries-old workings of the state.
Key facts
- Andy Burnham says his devolution programme strengthens the case for a written UK constitution, according to The Guardian.
- A written constitution would fundamentally alter workings of the state developed over centuries, the report says.
- Burnham argues for a codified model of decentralisation.
- The prime minister has long believed the UK's political system is 'antiquated' and needs a dramatic overhaul.
- He believes an overhaul is needed if opportunity is to be shared equally across the country.
- Reported by The Guardian on 1 August 2026.
Andy Burnham has said his programme of devolution strengthens the case for a written constitution for the UK, according to The Guardian. Such a move would fundamentally alter the workings of the state that have developed over centuries.
The prime minister is arguing for a codified model of decentralisation, the outlet reported.
The Guardian reported that Burnham has long believed the UK’s political system, which he describes as ‘antiquated’, needs a dramatic overhaul if opportunity is to be shared equally across the country.
The report ties the case for greater devolution to the broader question of whether the UK should adopt a formal written constitution, framing the devolution programme as the driver behind this constitutional debate.
Further details of Burnham’s proposals were not set out in the material available.
Why it matters
A written constitution would be a historic change to how the UK is governed, and the debate touches on questions about accountability, decentralisation and how power is distributed between central government and the regions.