SNP invites Burnham to conference during his Scotland visit

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 07:20 · Archive

The SNP has invited Prime Minister Andy Burnham to attend its conference in Aberdeen this weekend during his expected visit to Scotland on Friday. SNP depute leader Keith Brown extended the invitation publicly, saying it would be a suitable occasion for the UK's leader and the leader of the Scottish independence movement to discuss the country's future.

Keith Brown said Burnham had already acknowledged that 'it is for the people of Scotland to decide our own future'. He added that the SNP conference would be 'the perfect and natural place' for Burnham to outline further steps, including an agreed legal process for independence.

Burnham has previously indicated support for devolving powers from the Scottish Parliament to local councils. However, he has ruled out holding another referendum on Scottish independence, stating last month that there was 'no clear consensus' for a second vote on the union.

The Guardian suggests Burnham's Friday visit may overshadow the SNP gathering, with the Prime Minister expected to address constitutional questions that will form part of John Swinney's Saturday address to conference members.

How it is being reported

• Burnham v Swinney: will the UK PM overshadow the SNP’s conference?Prime minister presents new kind of challenge for SNP, and his Scottish visit will loom large over its big event This year, even Andy Burnham is invited to the Scottish National party conference. But by the time John Swinney stands up to address members on Saturday afternoon in Aberdeen to reinvigorate the case for a second independence referendum, his party may regret giving the UK prime minister so much prominence in the conference buildup. Burnham is expected to visit Scotland on Friday – the middle of the event – in a thinly veiled attempt to overshadow the SNP gathering. While he will…The Guardian · 15 Oct, 07:00
• SNP invites Burnham to party conference amid Scotland visit reportsThe party invited the Prime Minister to its conference in Aberdeen.Evening Standard · 13 Oct, 10:32

In this story: Andy Burnham · SNP · Keith Brown · John Swinney · Scotland · Aberdeen

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