PM’s message to Devolved Governments: “Work with me to empower every single part of the UK”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has invited the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales to a meeting in Glasgow to discuss a new approach to devolution. He proposes shifting decision-making power from national parliaments to local communities, arguing that those closest to the challenges know best how to address them. The Prime Minister framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to ‘rewire the state’ through No10 North, aiming to ensure every city and region benefits from shared resources and opportunities.

Burnham called for political cooperation to develop models of regional empowerment, stressing that devolution should be built from the ground up. He highlighted the importance of removing barriers to growth and fostering reindustrialisation through closer collaboration with devolved governments. The meeting marks the first National Economic Council session focused solely on the nations, signaling a renewed focus on joint economic strategies.

The Prime Minister’s proposals follow a £1 billion investment announced for innovation clusters across the UK over the next four years. This funding aims to help high-potential regions develop world-leading industries by leveraging local strengths. Burnham’s initiative also aligns with recent budget measures to support families, businesses, and public services in the devolved nations.

The Glasgow meeting includes First Minister of Scotland John Swinney, First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth, and representation from Northern Ireland. It represents a concerted effort to align economic policies and address shared challenges through partnership, rather than competition between governments.