Prime Minister Proposes Collaboration with Holyrood to Empower Scottish Regions

In a significant address today, the Prime Minister extended an invitation to Scotland’s First Minister, encouraging collaboration towards a shared goal of decentralising power from both Westminster and Holyrood. The aim is to create jobs and enhance opportunities across all regions of Scotland.

Delivering his speech after engaging with young people in Lanarkshire, Andy Burnham highlighted that the Scottish Government is one of the most centralised devolved administrations in Europe. He pointed out that despite 27 years of substantial devolution from Westminster, Holyrood has not adequately empowered local communities to have a say in decisions that affect them most, particularly those who are most familiar with their local areas.

Power Should Reach Beyond Holyrood

The Prime Minister contended that power should not be confined within the walls of the Scottish Parliament. He proposed that the next phase of devolution must focus on transferring more decision-making authority to Scotland’s regions and cities, a necessary step to stimulate reindustrialisation.

To facilitate this shift, he urged the Scottish Government to collaborate with the UK Government through initiatives such as No10 North and the Scotland Office. The goal is to develop a fresh model of regional empowerment that allows communities, each with their unique strengths, identities, and aspirations, to seize economic opportunities and unlock their inherent potential.

An Invitation for Collaborative Governance

Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed his commitment by stating, “During my first week in office, I told the First Minister that I wanted to work with him to spread opportunities to communities across Scotland’s regions and cities. Through No10 North, we are rewiring the state, and I want to ensure that regions in Scotland are fully included in this process.”

He further emphasised that this is an offer for genuine partnership with the Scottish Government, asserting that, “With us working together, there is no limit to what we can achieve for the Scottish people.”

Local Knowledge is Key to Progress

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, stating, “Devolution has achieved much, but power was never meant to be confined to the Scottish Parliament. Residents in North Lanarkshire, Fife, or the Highlands possess a deeper understanding of their communities’ needs than any minister, whether in London or Edinburgh.”

He affirmed that the Prime Minister’s proposal to the Scottish Government is sincere, and the Scotland Office stands ready to collaborate closely to bring this vision to fruition. “Two governments, one goal – good jobs and real opportunities in every corner of Scotland,” he concluded.