Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reiterated his support for a written constitution in the United Kingdom, suggesting that recent moves toward greater devolution strengthen the need for a formal constitutional framework. Burnham, who previously advocated for such reforms in his 2024 book *Head North: A Rallying Cry for a More Equal Britain*, co-authored with Liverpool City Region metro mayor Steve Rotheram, emphasized that evolving governance arrangements signal a shift in how the country is managed.

Speaking ahead of new devolution proposals, Burnham argued that these changes point toward the necessity of a new constitutional settlement to reflect the country’s altered political landscape. He highlighted a commitment to ensuring "equivalent living standards" across regions as a key element underpinning this vision. Burnham insisted that the goal is to create a society where every community enjoys a comparable quality of life, describing this objective as more than rhetoric but a central aim for national policy.

The former mayor of Greater Manchester called for a written constitution that would enshrine a clear set of principles governing the country’s operation, anchored by minimum entitlements related to essential services and connectivity for all areas. He criticized the current system’s inconsistencies, noting that citizens in some parts of the UK have to campaign for basic rights that others take for granted, a disparity compounded by the absence of a unified constitutional structure.

Burnham also referenced plans that propose granting every region the status of a strategic authority and enabling them to retain a greater share of income tax and business rates. He suggested these measures would mark a significant departure from traditional governance models and require a constitutional framework to ensure clarity and fairness.

Currently, the UK operates without a single codified constitution. Instead, its constitutional framework is based on statutes, judicial decisions, and established conventions, a system that Burnham and others contend may be insufficient to manage the evolving governance landscape.

As debates continue over the future structure of the UK’s governance, Burnham’s renewed call underscores a growing discussion about how best to balance devolution, regional equality, and national cohesion.