Prime Minister’s Inspiring Speech in Scotland on 16 October 2026: Key Highlights and Impacts

It is a pleasure to be here with you today, and I would like to extend my gratitude to the college for hosting us, as Douglas has mentioned. This visit to Scotland, particularly Motherwell, brings me great joy.

I must admit, I am tempted to refer to Scotland as the true north, though I hope my friends in Manchester won’t hold that against me. As you may know, I have established what I call Number 10 North, which I suspect you might cheekily refer to as Number 10 South. Indeed, there’s a need for creative nomenclature in this context.

A Warm Welcome Back to Scotland

It is fantastic to return to Scotland. My last visit was during the spectacular Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where the city excelled in its role as host. I am truly grateful for the efforts made in that regard.

In fact, I visit Scotland more often than you might realise; I often slip in unnoticed. Just last year, I was here between Christmas and New Year for the Hibs-Hearts match, and I have taken note of Motherwell’s current standing above Hibs in the Scottish Premier League. I do hope some of you are proud supporters in attendance today.

My purpose here is to express my commitment to Scotland and to seek common ground. Upon entering Downing Street in July, I pledged to approach politics differently—prioritising place over party. This is a genuine sentiment; I believe the people of Scotland, like those throughout the UK, deserve better from their politicians.

Bridging the Gap Between Westminster and the North

Let me clarify: my return to Westminster is not about perpetuating the old ways of politics. My goal is to transform that approach. I envision good growth in every postcode, which includes each and every area of Scotland. Achieving this requires empowering local communities to effect change for themselves.

One powerful example of this comes not from Manchester but from Easterhouse, where I visited FARE-Scotland alongside the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit in August 2023. We were drawn there by reports of innovative work being done to empower local communities. Instead of discussing policing and violence, we focused on empowerment and opportunity, emphasising the need to redefine communities beyond their negative labels, celebrating their strengths and assets.

Empowering Local Communities Through Innovative Models

During my visit, I was inspired by the concept of creating personalised pathways for young people, tailored to their individual needs and working with local employers to support them. This included ensuring they had the appropriate clothing and travel arrangements to attend interviews and opportunities. The grassroots, community-driven approach we witnessed was remarkable, demonstrating the effectiveness of local values and support.

Taking that inspiration back to Greater Manchester, I implemented the Live Well model, which prioritised localised, bottom-up support rather than the top-down systems that often leave individuals feeling disempowered. This model proved successful, enabling us to achieve more for our communities than previously imagined.

A Vision for Change Across the UK

As Prime Minister, I carry these lessons with me and am committed to pushing power out of Westminster and into the hands of local people across the UK. It’s crucial that every postcode is empowered to take charge of its own future. The historical context of deindustrialisation has left many communities feeling neglected, and I am determined that no community, including Motherwell, should ever return to that position.

It is essential to engage with local representatives like Pamela, your MP, to understand both the history and the ongoing challenges faced by communities. This area has a proud manufacturing heritage, and I commend the apprentices present today for carrying that legacy forward. Yet, it is evident that young people across the UK have been let down by decisions made far removed from their realities.

Addressing Historical Inequities and Building a Brighter Future

Motherwell is emblematic of the historical injustices faced by communities reliant on industries that have since diminished. The closure of Ravenscraig not only affected jobs but dismantled the very fabric of the community. Decisions made from a distance often lack consideration for the local impacts, and more than thirty years later, the scars of that closure remain.

As someone who represented a former mining community, I understand the deep-seated frustrations that arise when communities feel overlooked. The focus on building a better future must be a collective effort, and I am here to outline how I plan to facilitate a transformation across the UK.

Working Towards Devolution and Empowerment

To achieve meaningful change, we must shift power to local levels, providing communities with the necessary tools to thrive. This means recognising the disparities that exist within Scotland, where access to services and opportunities can vary dramatically. For instance, health inequalities are stark, with life expectancy differing significantly across short distances.

There is a pressing need to rectify these disparities and foster a sense of fairness throughout the nation. We must build trust with communities that have felt abandoned, demonstrating that politicians can deliver on their promises. The time has come for deeper devolution in Scotland, empowering every community to take charge of its destiny.

A Commitment to Collaboration and Progress

Only through collaboration can we achieve the growth we all desire. It is encouraging to see the Scottish government agreeing to match our investment in defence technical excellence colleges, demonstrating the potential of joint efforts. Together, we can create skilled jobs and bolster Scotland’s economy.

Moreover, we are committed to supporting Scottish shipbuilding and ensuring that future energy jobs are created within Scotland. The food and farming sectors also deserve attention, and I am working closely with EU partners to explore opportunities that will benefit these industries.

Investing in Skills and Future Generations

However, these opportunities are meaningless if the young people growing up in these communities are unable to access them. Currently, far too many young individuals find themselves outside of education, employment, or training. This is unacceptable and requires immediate action.

I am dedicated to ensuring that no young person feels written off, and it is imperative that we abandon top-down schemes in favour of a community-driven approach. By focusing on individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, we can create a system that empowers young people to thrive.

A Call for Deeper Engagement and Empowerment

The time has come for a paradigm shift in how Scotland is governed. We must engage in meaningful dialogue to address the unique challenges faced by different regions. I am eager to work alongside the Scottish government to create a new model of regional economic empowerment that places control in the hands of local communities.

Let us join forces to reindustrialise Scotland, ensuring its regions have the autonomy to shape their futures. Together, we can foster prosperity, build new industries, and create opportunities for all.

In conclusion, I urge us to move beyond political divisions and focus on what unites us. The people of Scotland deserve a government that prioritises their needs and aspirations. Let us embark on this journey together to build a brighter future for all.

Thank you for your attention today. I am hopeful that we can embrace this moment of change and work collaboratively for the betterment of the nation.