The prime minister says he will bring together the first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in the autumn for a summit. Andy Burnham made the announcement ahead of a visit to south Wales on Thursday - his first official visit to the country since he took control of the UK government. The Labour leader said he wanted "every leader in this country signed up" to having "good jobs in every community".
Downing Street said the first ministers of Wales and Scotland, and the first and deputy first ministers of Northern Ireland will meet the prime minister at the National Economic Council in October. Former Greater Manchester mayor Burnham took over from Sir Keir Starmer in July, after winning the Makerfield by-election. Burnham is visiting a location in south Wales as part of his listening tour.
His spokespeople said he will speak to Welsh workers and apprentices about "reindustrialisation, jobs and the cost of living". Burnham said: "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.
"Good jobs in every community, in every part of the UK. That is what I want every leader in this country signed up to." He will meet the Welsh government's deputy first minister Sioned Williams at the visit. Williams said the visit was "a positive example of governments working together to improve people's lives".
She will call 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 high standing charges in Wales to be addressed. She added: "Wales is an energy-rich nation. People should see that reflected in good jobs, stronger communities and lower bills." The National Economic Council was created by the Gordon Brown administration in 2008, and has been revived by Burnham.
A previous meeting brought together government ministers and English local authority mayors. Downing Street said the prime minister wanted to discuss "how we will drive good growth in every postcode across the UK" with the first ministers. The Welsh government said: "We look forward to discussing shared challenges, including ensuring growth and investment in all the countries represented, and support for families facing the continuing cost-of-living crisis.
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