UK government presses devolution agenda in Scotland talks before Commonwealth Games
With Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games at short notice, the UK Prime Minister meets Scotland's First Minister John Swinney on Thursday as both sides discuss closer cooperation. The talks also underline the government's position that another independence referendum is not under consideration while it focuses on economic growth and household costs.
Highlights
- Prime Minister meets First Minister John Swinney in Glasgow ahead of the Commonwealth Games, emphasizing joint working on devolution to boost Scotland’s economy.
- Prime Minister rules out a new Scottish independence referendum, instead prioritizing economic growth, cost-of-living support, and stronger intergovernmental coordination.
- Both leaders agree on continued regular engagement focused on deeper devolution and regional economic policy, moving away from constitutional disputes.
Glasgow meeting sets policy tone
As reported by GOV.UK, the Prime Minister meets First Minister John Swinney in Glasgow ahead of the start of the Commonwealth Games and congratulates both the Scottish government and the city for hosting the event at short notice. He says he is looking forward to attending the opening ceremony later that evening.The discussion then shifts to how both governments can work more closely to build what the Prime Minister describes as a model of devolution aimed at improving lives across Scotland. He reiterates that deeper devolution can help communities across the UK re-industrialise, create jobs, transform high streets and revive local economies, and he welcomes Swinney's willingness to engage with that process.
Economic focus outweighs independence debate
The Prime Minister says at the outset that another referendum on Scottish independence is off limits because it would distract from efforts to grow the economy and help families manage the cost of living. That framing places economic policy and intergovernmental coordination at the centre of the meeting rather than constitutional change.More broadly, he says this is a moment for both sides to work together in a constructive relationship. He adds that he looks forward to regular engagement with the First Minister in the months ahead, signalling continued contact between London and Edinburgh as devolution and regional economic policy remain in focus.
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