Keir Starmer is getting ready for the inaugural meeting of the council of nations and regions in Scotland next week. The idea for this meeting was shared during a meeting with English mayors shortly after the Labour Party won the General Election in July.
The purpose of this gathering is to bring together the 11 English metro mayors, leaders of the devolved administrations, and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to discuss common challenges and opportunities. Downing Street has officially confirmed that the first council of nations and regions will be held in Scotland on Friday, with a focus on exploring investment opportunities in the UK.
While the exact location in Scotland for the meeting is still unknown, First Minister John Swinney has already confirmed his attendance. Starmer emphasized his commitment to establishing a new era of stability, trust, and partnership with businesses, investors, devolved governments, and local leaders to enhance the economy and restore the UK’s reputation as a prime location for business.
He stated that the UK Government is fulfilling its promise to convene the first Council of the Nations and Regions, emphasizing the need for genuine, meaningful, and focused partnerships to drive change in the business landscape, redefine the UK’s global position, and unleash untapped potential across the country for the benefit of all citizens.
In July, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, expressed his support for the council of nations and regions, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the voices of regions like Greater Manchester and the North of England are heard at the heart of decision-making in Whitehall consistently.
Despite the positive reception from English mayors, the Scottish Government noted that it had not received any prior information about the council before its announcement. This highlights the need for transparent communication and collaboration between all parties involved to ensure effective partnerships and meaningful outcomes from such meetings. The goal is to foster a united approach to addressing challenges and seizing opportunities across the UK for the collective benefit of all regions and nations.
