During a private meeting on Friday, John Swinney plans to urge Keir Starmer to collaborate with him in increasing investment in Scotland’s economy. This meeting will take place before the council of nations and regions meeting in Edinburgh.
Swinney aims to work with the Scottish Government and Starmer to improve living standards, end austerity, and attract private investments to key industries in Scotland. He emphasized the importance of addressing barriers that hinder the Scottish Government from advancing its progressive agenda to grow the economy and combat poverty effectively.
The focus of the meeting will be on discussing the pressing issues facing Scotland and the UK, as well as the necessary actions to bring about significant change. Swinney hopes to highlight the transformative potential of public sector investment in halting the austerity agenda and attracting long-term financial investments essential for economic growth and future job sectors.
He reiterated the Scottish Government’s readiness to collaborate with the UK government to create opportunities that align with devolution principles. Swinney emphasized the positive impact of public sector investment in Scotland and the need to expand on this progress to ensure economic growth, improved living standards, and poverty eradication nationwide.
This meeting follows the withdrawal of Sue Gray, the newly appointed envoy to nations and regions, from the council meeting due to an internal power struggle in Downing Street. Gray is reportedly taking a break after facing challenges within the government.
