Prime Minister Andy Burnham will today challenge the Scottish Government to hand more power to Scotland’s cities and regions, arguing that Holyrood has become one of the most centralised devolved administrations in Europe.
During a visit to Lanarkshire, Mr Burnham will offer to work with First Minister John Swinney on a new model of regional devolution designed to unlock investment, create jobs and drive economic growth.
The Prime Minister will argue that too much decision-making remains concentrated in Edinburgh, preventing communities from capitalising on their economic strengths.
Mr Burnham said: “During my first week in office, I told the First Minister that I wanted to work with him to spread opportunities to communities across Scotland's regions and cities.
“Through No10 North, we are rewiring the state and I want to make sure regions in Scotland are fully part of this. This is me making an offer to the Scottish Government. With us working together, there is no limit to what we can achieve for the Scottish people.”
The intervention comes as the SNP holds its annual conference in Aberdeen, where former Westminster leader Stephen Flynn yesterday challenged Mr Burnham to allow another independence referendum.
The Prime Minister had suggested a referendum could be considered if there was clear public consensus, before clarifying to Mr Swinney that a second vote remained off limits.
Mr Flynn told delegates: “We are winning the argument, we can see that by reading the newspapers or listening to the panic of unionist politicians.”
Mr Swinney is expected to renew his demand for another independence referendum when he closes the conference tomorrow, highlighting the contrasting constitutional priorities of the two governments.