Burnham summons Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish leaders to summit

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is convening a summit with the first ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, emphasizing that solutions to the UK's challenges will emerge from local strengths and a responsive government. "I am in South Wales today because the answers to the UK's challenges will not come from an echo chamber. They will come from the places that know their own strengths, and from a government willing to listen and then act," Burnham stated.

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I am in South Wales today because the answers to the UK's challenges will not come from an echo chamber. They will come from the places that know their own strengths, and from a government willing to listen and then act.

Burnham aims to align leaders on the goal of achieving "good jobs in every community, in every part of the UK." He is reviving the National Economic Council, originally created by the Gordon Brown administration in 2008. A previous meeting of this council included government ministers and English local authority mayors.

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Good jobs in every community, in every part of the UK. That is what I want every leader in this country signed up to.

During his visit to South Wales, Burnham will meet with Welsh government's deputy first minister Sioned Williams. Williams plans to advocate for Wales's interests, calling for a "fair share of the UK government's steel fund," an "energy social tariff to support those facing fuel poverty and struggling with high energy bills," and addressing high standing charges in Wales. "Wales is an energy-rich nation. People should see that reflected in good jobs, stronger communities and lower bills," she added.

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the visit was "a positive example of governments working together to improve people's lives".

Downing Street indicated the prime minister wishes to discuss "how we will drive good growth in every postcode across the UK" with the devolved leaders. The Welsh government expressed anticipation for discussions on shared challenges, including ensuring growth and investment across represented nations and supporting families through the cost-of-living crisis. This aligns with broader Welsh priorities for fair funding and extended devolution.

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a fair share of the UK government's steel fund