Headline: Burnham Calls UK-Wide Economic Summit as He Promises Growth Across All Regions
- Aug 27
- 1 min read
Date: 27 August 2026
Tags: UK Politics, Economy, Devolution, Wales
Summary:
Prime Minister Andy Burnham will convene UK national leaders for an economic summit in October.
Leaders from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will join Burnham at the revived National Economic Council.
Burnham announced the meeting during his first official visit to Wales as Prime Minister, at Tata’s Port Talbot steelworks.
He said the council would focus on delivering economic growth and good employment opportunities across every UK community.
Burnham suggested Wales and Scotland could consider further decentralising powers to cities and regions, similar to England’s mayoral model.
He said he was open to discussing transferring control of policing in Wales to the Welsh Government and Senedd.
Welsh Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams welcomed the economic council but said it must produce tangible investment and results.
Burnham said steel import quotas would remain under review amid concerns about international competition affecting Welsh steelworkers.
Tata is converting Port Talbot towards greener steelmaking, including construction of a new electric arc furnace.
Burnham said his “Number 10 North” initiative would help make Whitehall work more effectively for all four UK nations.
Why this matters: The summit could shape the Government’s approach to regional economic growth, devolution and cooperation between Westminster and the devolved administrations.
What’s next: The National Economic Council will bring Burnham and the UK’s devolved government leaders together in October.
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