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During a recent summit, ministers and representatives focused on the possibility of granting regions greater authority over employment support and funding aimed at boosting reindustrialisation. The discussions highlighted the importance of establishing regional structures, with particular emphasis on allowing Scotland and Wales to determine the shape of these frameworks within their own territories. Burnham emphasized the need for the Scottish and Welsh governments to collaborate closely with the UK government to develop “a model of deeper devolution.”
In relation to reindustrialisation efforts, Burnham noted the potential for extending devolution specifically to innovation funding, aiming to better address local needs and opportunities. Participants, including Swinney, ap Iorwerth, and Burnham, acknowledged the high levels of youth unemployment affecting their nations. The prime minister indicated that the UK government would consider “arrangements for further devolution of employment support for young people in both Scotland and Wales.”
Burnham has made devolution a central aspect of his policy initiatives since entering office, advocating for a restructuring of the state that places greater control in the hands of regional mayors and authorities throughout England. Although his approach to devolution on a national scale remains somewhat unclear, Burnham has expressed a willingness to heed calls for additional powers from the devolved administrations while encouraging them to share more responsibilities with local governments.
John Swinney described the meeting as “a welcome start” to advancing devolution, despite differing views on independence. He highlighted his commitment to working constructively with the prime minister to transfer more powers from Westminster to Scotland, provided that such proposals promote economic growth, higher wages, improved job opportunities, business expansion, and cost-of-living support. A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed the UK government’s intention to consider the first minister’s concerns, clarifying that this would not include holding a second independence referendum.
Welsh leader Rhun ap Iorwerth expressed satisfaction at his meeting with the prime minister in Glasgow, where he stressed the need for Wales to have appropriate tools to better serve local communities. He reiterated that further devolution within Wales is a matter for the Senedd alone. Ap Iorwerth welcomed the prime minister’s progress on increasing the Welsh government’s fiscal and borrowing powers and expressed strong support for enhancing ties with the EU. Downing Street reported that the prime minister held “positive discussions” with the Welsh first minister, who agreed to commence an exploratory process aimed at boosting regional empowerment, fostering reindustrialisation, and driving good economic growth throughout all areas
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