Prime Minister to Meet Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney on 23rd July 2026

The Prime Minister convened with Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, in Glasgow today, prior to the commencement of the Commonwealth Games.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister extended his congratulations to both the First Minister and the city of Glasgow for successfully hosting the Commonwealth Games on short notice. He expressed his anticipation for the opening ceremony scheduled for later that evening.

Collaboration for Devolution

The discussion soon shifted towards the potential for closer collaboration between the Prime Minister and the First Minister, focusing on developing a model of devolution aimed at enhancing the lives of residents across Scotland. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his conviction that deeper devolution could significantly contribute to the re-industrialisation of communities throughout the UK, which in turn would lead to job creation, revitalisation of high streets, and the rejuvenation of local economies. He welcomed the First Minister’s openness to engage in this transformative process.

Addressing the issue of Scottish independence, the Prime Minister made it clear that another referendum was not on the table, citing that such a move would divert attention from critical economic growth initiatives and efforts to alleviate the cost of living challenges faced by families.

A Call for Constructive Engagement

In a broader context, the Prime Minister emphasised that this was an opportune moment for both parties to foster a constructive working relationship. He expressed his eagerness for ongoing dialogue and regular meetings with the First Minister in the forthcoming months, underscoring the importance of unity in tackling shared challenges.