PM’s Scotland meeting an opportunity to ‘turn words into action’ – Swinney

The Prime Minister’s meeting in Scotland is an opportunity to “turn words into action”, the First Minister has said.

John Swinney is set to meet Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Friday alongside deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth at a meeting of the UK Government’s National Economic Council (NEC).

Mr Swinney’s comments come as Mr Burnham is expected to ask the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales to “put politics aside and work in partnership with the UK Government”.

Mr Swinney said the UK Government should work with the Scottish Government to deliver devolution proposals.

“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,” Mr Swinney said.

He continued: “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.”

Ahead of the meeting, Mr Burnham said: “Through No 10 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.”