UK PM Burnham calls summit of devolved leaders to boost economy
During his first official visit to Wales as prime minister, Andy Burnham visited Tata steelworks in Port Talbot and announced he will convene a summit of the leaders of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland this autumn. The meeting, to be held at the revived National Economic Council in October, aims to boost the UK economy. Burnham also suggested Wales and Scotland could consider deeper devolution following England's model of regional mayors, and expressed openness to devolving policing to Wales. The announcement comes amid concerns about the steel industry, with some workers at Tata's Llanwern plant on lighter duties due to cheap imports. Burnham said steel quotas would be kept under review. Reactions from devolved leaders were mixed, with Welsh Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams welcoming the revival but stressing the need for action, and Scottish First Minister John Swinney expressing willingness to work constructively.
What we know
The National Economic Council was created by Gordon Brown's government after the 2008 banking crash and has been revived by Burnham.
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Some workers at Tata's Llanwern plant have been put on lighter duties due to cheap steel imports.
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Andy Burnham announced a summit of first ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to be held in October at the National Economic Council.
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The announcement was made during Burnham's first official visit to Wales as prime minister, at Tata steelworks in Port Talbot.
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Tata Port Talbot is being converted to greener steel production with a new electric arc furnace.
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UK ministers raised quota limits on steel imports from countries including South Korea, India, and Vietnam.
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Burnham suggested Wales and Scotland could consider deeper devolution following England's model of regional mayors.
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Burnham said he was open to discussing devolution of policing to Wales.
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Burnham calls summit of Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish first ministers
bbc.com · EN · Published · ReceivedLive reports
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