UK government pledges nationwide growth drive as Burnham begins regional tour
In his first week in office, Prime Minister Andy Burnham is using a visit to Scotland to present an economic agenda centred on spreading growth across every part of the UK. The trip combines meetings with devolved leaders in Glasgow and a broader pledge to shift investment and decision-making away from a Westminster-focused model.
Highlights
- Burnham pledges 'good growth in every postcode' and prioritizes practical regional cooperation with Scotland and Wales, as discussed with First Ministers John Swinney and Rhun ap Iorwerth in Glasgow.
- The UK government eliminates VAT from electricity bills, aiming to ease cost-of-living pressures for millions of households as part of a winter relief programme.
- A new No10 North office and broader investment shift aim to decentralize power, rebalance the UK economy, and expand local economic decision-making.
Scotland visit sets out devolved growth agenda
As outlined by GOV.UK, Burnham is due to meet Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and Wales' First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth in Glasgow before attending the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. During the talks, he is expected to argue for closer cooperation with the Scottish and Welsh devolved governments based on what he describes as a genuine partnership.Burnham says his promise of "good growth in every postcode" applies to all parts of the UK and is focused on practical measures rather than constitutional debate. He also says his government has begun easing cost-of-living pressure by removing VAT from electricity bills, a move he says saves money for millions of households.
Investment shift aims to rebalance UK economy
The government says the energy tax cut is part of a wider programme to give households more breathing space this winter while reshaping the national economy. Burnham also says his administration wants to rewire a Westminster-centric system that has left many people feeling disconnected from decision-making.That approach includes the creation of No10 North, which the government says is intended to spread opportunity and investment more fairly across the UK and move power closer to communities. Burnham is also expected to meet Northern Ireland's First Minister and Deputy First Minister in August as he continues a tour across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to gather views on local economic needs.
Royal London’s farmland investment strategy was previously covered in our publication, highlighting the mutual insurer’s £260 million purchase of 21,000 acres of UK farmland as a way to diversify long-term capital deployment while targeting sustainability goals. We noted that the group views this as a route to stable returns alongside regenerative farming practices, and as part of a broader push to strengthen the UK mutual sector and widen access to patient capital.
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