PM Promises ‘No Nation Left Behind’; Perth Asks Whether That Includes the Bit of the A9 Between Ballinluig and Pitlochry
After meeting the first ministers in Glasgow, Andy Burnham says nowhere will be left behind. Perthshire would like it in writing.
The road north from Perth, which has its own opinions about being left behind. Photo: Colin, “Glasgow City Chambers - Banqueting Hall - 3”, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has promised “no nation left behind” after meeting the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in Glasgow, and Perth has asked a few follow-up questions.
“No nation, fine,” said a Bridge of Earn man. “But what about the 15:12 bus? It leaves people behind every day. Sometimes it leaves before it arrives.”
Perthshire residents were quick to send the PM a list of places that feel left behind, including the single-track bit of road outside Kenmore, the last parking space at Morrisons and “my brother-in-law, who has been at the Broxden roundabout since 2019”.
Political experts say the phrase is a careful one. “He said no nation. He didn’t say no town,” said one. “Or village. Or a man in a lay-by in Glenalmond. Read the small print.”
Downing Street said the meeting had been “constructive”. A Perth woman said that’s what her builder says too.
The real story: UK politics (BBC)
Letters to the Editor
The views expressed are those of the reader, and frankly that's on them.
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The 15:12 bus has left me behind so often it feels like a relationship.
— Robert M., Bridge of Earn, 31 October 2026 -
No nation left behind. Grand. What about the single-track road outside my house? It’s been left behind since the Romans.
— Elaine J., Kenmore, 31 October 2026
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