UK, Scotland agree to explore greater autonomy despite divisions over independence

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham have agreed that Westminster does not work for people in Scotland, while remaining divided over the issue of independence. Following a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) in Glasgow on Friday, Swinney said he would work with the UK government to explore further devolution of powers to Scotland, provided the proposals deliver economic benefits. “While the prime minister and I disagree on independence, we do agree that Westminster does not work for people in Scotland,” Swinney said in a statement.

He added that he would work “constructively and collaboratively” with the UK government to devolve more powers, provided the proposals support economic growth, higher wages, better jobs, business opportunities and help with the cost of living. Swinney welcomed the UK government’s proposed principle of “devolving by default,” saying Burnham had made it clear that the government would not bypass the Scottish Parliament. He also said he looked forward to both governments jointly developing a plan for further devolution aimed at boosting economic growth.

A Downing Street statement said the meeting between Burnham and Swinney had been “extremely positive”, describing the NEC discussions as a valuable starting point for exploring how both governments could contribute to regional empowerment, reindustrialization and economic growth. It said a “policy sprint” led by No 10 North, involving officials from both governments, would now take the agenda forward. The UK government would also review and respond to a range of issues raised by Swinney, according to the statement.

Despite their agreement on the need for greater regional empowerment, the two leaders remain divided over Scottish independence. Downing Street reiterated Burnham’s position that a second independence referendum was off the table.