Burnham urges Swinney to back local devolution – Daily Business

Andy Burnham and John Swinney met in Glasgow in July

Prime Minister Andy Burnham will make a new plea to John Swinney today to place more decision-making in the hands of regions and cities.

He will hold talks in Glasgow with the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales and representatives of Northern Ireland at a meeting of the National Economic Council for the Nations.

Mr Burnham will say that devolution by default should not be about the transfer of powers from one parliament to another but should go deeper within nations to empower all places and communities who know best what they need to grow and access opportunities.

The Prime Minister said when he took office that he would do politics differently and that involves working together to achieve the common goal of achieving better outcomes for people across the United Kingdom.

Mr Swinney is likely to take a robust view of “common goals” by reiterating his demand for another referendum on independence. As Mr Burnham has already ruled this out this may add to the tension in the room.

The First Minister is also expected to question the Prime Minister’s commitment to devolution and re-industrialisation after the UK Government withdrew £200 million earmarked for the Acorn carbon capture project in north east Scotland that has left its future uncertain.

However, ahead of the meeting Mr Swinney adopted a more conciliatory tone, referring to a willingness to work with the Prime Minister on growing the economy and further devolution.

He said: “The National Economic Council provides an opportunity for the Prime Minister to turn words into action by engaging constructively with Scottish Government proposals to help grow our economy.

“The Prime Minister has made devolution a central focus for his government, however the UK Government must ensure that any devolution proposals respect devolution in Scotland. That means working with the Scottish Government.

“The Scottish Government has put forward substantive proposals to the UK Government on areas where further devolution would help grow Scotland’s economy and I will press the Prime Minister, and his government, to work with us to deliver those proposals.”

In a briefing issued by Downing Street, Mr Burnham said: “Through No10 North, we are rewiring the state. I want to make sure every city and region in the United Kingdom is part of that.

“Today I’ll be making an offer to the governments of each nation. Put politics aside and work in partnership with the UK Government to develop models of regional empowerment that ensure communities can use their own strengths to unlock their potential. 

“This is the next stage of devolution. Together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.”

At First Minister’s Questions yesterday, Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra urged Mr Swinney to set out his plans for further devolution.

“John Swinney had the opportunity today to explain which powers he would be willing to push out of Holyrood and into local communities but failed to mention a single one.

“This inaction risks regions of Scotland missing out on the benefits of being able to make key decisions to boost growth in their area.

“I have been clear that I want to see a new generation of devolution deals for Scotland. The First Minister should explain why he does not share that same ambition.”

Today’s meeting follows the Prime Minister announcing that £1 billion will be invested across the UK over the next four years in industrial clusters to help high potential regions build world-leading industries.

The first meeting of the National Economic Council will be attended by Mr Swinney, the First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth and representation from Northern Ireland. 

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