Prime Minister makes offer to Holyrood to work together to empower Scottish regions

The Prime Minister will formally propose a partnership with the Scottish Government to decentralise power beyond both Westminster and Holyrood, arguing that current devolution has not sufficiently empowered local communities. Speaking in Lanarkshire, he will highlight that Scotland’s devolved administration remains one of the most centralised in Europe despite 27 years of devolution. The proposal aims to place decision-making directly in the hands of regions and cities to stimulate reindustrialisation and unlock local economic potential.

The offer includes a joint effort with the Scottish Government through No10 North and the Scotland Office to develop a new model of regional empowerment. This model would enable communities to leverage their unique strengths, identity, and ambitions to seize new economic opportunities. The Prime Minister framed the initiative as part of a broader state reform agenda, emphasising that regions like North Lanarkshire, Fife, and the Highlands are best placed to identify local needs.

The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to working with the First Minister, made during his first week in office, to spread opportunities across Scotland’s regions and cities. He described the collaboration as a genuine opportunity for both governments to achieve shared goals, including creating good jobs and real opportunity in every part of Scotland. The Scotland Office has been tasked with supporting this effort alongside the Scottish Government.

The proposal follows the Prime Minister’s argument that devolution was never intended to concentrate power solely within the Scottish Parliament. He stressed that communities, rather than ministers in London or Edinburgh, are best positioned to determine what their areas require. The initiative seeks to ensure that power and resources reach the grassroots level to maximise economic and social benefits.