Andy Burnham says Britain may need a written constitution as he takes a "different approach" to running the country. Speaking this week, Mr Burnham revealed plans for increased devolution, and said such proposals increased the case for a formal constitution because they would change Britain. The former mayor of Greater Manchester revealed plans for increased devolution this week (PA)The former mayor of Greater Manchester said he thought that approach should be the "cornerstone" of a written constitution. "That does start to take you into the realms of a very different approach to running the country." Unlike many countries, the UK does not have a formal written constitution, but it is understood to have a constitution established through history by common law, statutes and conventions.