Devolved relations reset with Labour has 'failed', says SNP official
Following the election last year, Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke of the need to 'reset' the relationship with the Scottish Government in his first meeting with John Swinney.
But now, UK ministers have been accused of repeatedly cancelling meetings, not providing documents or sharing information, and 'presenting things as a fait accompli'.
READ MORE: New poll predicts Reform Westminster win with no Scottish MPs
The UK Government also agreed a new fisheries deal with the EU without consulting Scottish ministers, despite the area being a devolved matter.
SNP ministers are now understood to be seeking assurances this is a 'one-off' of Westminster trying to legislate in devolved areas.
The newspaper reports that Scottish officials were only told about a meeting with data protection and telecoms minister Chris Bryant (below) 'late on Friday'.
This meant there was not enough time to prepare for the meeting on creative industries strategy, officials said, with documents published online half an hour before the meeting took place.
'We were told there would be a reset and we have worked hard to make that a reality, but we have now run out of road because there has been no reset,' the source told The Scotsman.
'It is comparable to the bad, old habits of the last UK Conservative government, which we had an appalling relationship with.
(Image: House of Commons) 'It is simply not working.'
They claimed the Scottish Government is the 'grown-ups in the room' when dealing with the UK Government.
A spokesperson for the UK Government said in response: 'Whoever this senior Scottish Government source is, they appear to be contradicting the comments of John Swinney himself, who hailed relations as 'incomparably better' compared to the Tory government.
'The UK government has indeed legislated in devolved areas with the Scottish Government's express consent - on better rights in the private rented sector, ensuring ScotRail is kept in public hands, keeping young people safe online, as well as tougher rules on knife sales.'
They added that both governments are working together on issues including Grangemouth, Alexander Dennis and the 'clean energy mission'.
'This government has reset the relationship between the UK government and the Scottish Government,' the spokesperson added.
'That doesn't mean we will agree on everything, but where we do agree we should work together.
READ MORE: First Minister John Swinney on 10 things that changed his life
'The vast majority of Scots just want to see their two governments work together to get things done, and will take a dim view of people complaining they don't have enough time to prepare for a meeting rather than get on with it.'
In May, the First Minister said the relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments was 'deteriorating', in the wake of Starmer announcing the deal with the EU.
"It does appear that the Scottish fishing industry has once again been negotiated away by the UK Government, demonstrating that Scotland is an afterthought for the UK Government,' Swinney said at the time.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leader Live
10 minutes ago
- Leader Live
National Wealth Fund to put £28m into carbon capture project
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has said that workers in 'Britain's manufacturing heartlands' will benefit from the investment in the Peak Cluster works. Peak Cluster is working towards a pipeline that will take carbon emissions from cement and lime companies in the Peak District and store them below the Irish Sea. The £28.6 million is coming from the National Wealth Fund (NWF) a body announced by the Government last year with £27.8 billion to invest in clean energy and growth industries, in the hope of catalysing other private investment. Peak Cluster is also backed by £31 million from the private sector, the Treasury said, and will be the NWF's first investment in carbon capture, since Rachel Reeves said in March that it should be a priority. The Chancellor said: 'We're modernising the cement and lime industry, delivering vital carbon capture infrastructure and creating jobs across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and the North West to put more money into working people's pockets.' Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described the investment as a 'landmark' that could help 'deliver thousands of highly skilled jobs'. 'Workers in the North Sea and Britain's manufacturing heartlands will drive forward the country's industrial renewal, positioning them at the forefront of the UK's clean energy transition,' he added.
Rhyl Journal
an hour ago
- Rhyl Journal
King and Prime Minister lead nation remembering horror of July 7 bombings
In a message to mark the 20th anniversary of the attacks, Charles said comfort can be taken from the 'spirit of unity' in London and the country more broadly, which has allowed the nation to heal. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer said 'those who tried to divide us failed' adding 'we stood together then, and we stand together now'. On July 7 2005, four suicide bombers struck the capital's transport network, killing 52 people and injuring more than 770 on three London Underground trains and a bus. The King has asked for the country to reaffirm its commitment to building a society of all faiths and backgrounds, standing against those who seek to divide us. He said: 'Today, as we mark 20 years since the tragic events of 7th July 2005, my heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible summer's day. 'We remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil – and the enduring grief of their loved ones. 'We recall, too, the hundreds more who carry physical and psychological scars, and pray that their suffering may ease as the years pass. 'In doing so, we should also remember the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day. 'The selfless bravery of our emergency services, transport workers, and fellow citizens who rushed towards danger to help strangers reminds us of the very best of humanity in the face of the very worst.' Other members of the royal family are to join services and memorials to mark the anniversary. On behalf of the King, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will attend the National Service of Commemoration at St Paul's Cathedral from 11.30am on Monday. The King also stressed the importance of communities coming together in times of adversity. He said: 'While the horrors will never be forgotten, we may take comfort from the way such events rally communities together in solidarity, solace and determination. 'It is this spirit of unity that has helped London, and our nation, to heal. 'As we remember those we lost, let us therefore use this 20th anniversary to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding, always standing firm against those who would seek to divide us.' Sir Keir said: 'Today the whole country will unite to remember the lives lost in the 7/7 attacks, and all those whose lives were changed forever. 'We honour the courage shown that day— the bravery of the emergency services, the strength of survivors, and the unity of Londoners in the face of terror. 'Those who tried to divide us failed. We stood together then, and we stand together now— against hate and for the values that define us of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'Twenty years have passed since 7/7 but the passage of time makes what happened that day no less shocking. It was an appalling attack on our capital city and on democracy itself. 'As we come together to mark this anniversary, my thoughts remain with the victims, survivors and all who loved them. Amid the horror of that day, we saw the best of people, our emergency services, first responders and ordinary Londoners who bravely acted to help one another. Their courage continues to inspire us. 'We will always confront the threats facing this country to keep the public safe and preserve our way of life.'
Rhyl Journal
an hour ago
- Rhyl Journal
Parents who lose pregnancy before 24 weeks to be entitled to bereavement leave
Ministers are set to amend the Employment Rights Bill so that people will be entitled to protected time off in the event of a pregnancy loss, regardless of the stage at which it happens. Angela Rayner has said that the change will give 'people time away from work to grieve'. Under current rules, parents are entitled to up to two weeks of bereavement leave if a child dies before they turn 18, or they experience a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, will see the right to 'at least one week's leave' expanded to people who lose a pregnancy before 24 weeks. The exact length of the leave will be specified in later legislation after a consultation. The Bill already makes provision to expand bereavement leave, giving employees protected time off to grieve the loss of a loved one. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has said that the amendments will offer 'dignity and respect'. 'For many families, including mine, that have been affected by pregnancy loss, the decision around returning to work or taking sick leave to grieve properly can make an already painful experience even more difficult,' he said. 'Grief doesn't follow a timetable, and expanding rights to leave for pregnancy loss will ensure every family gets the time they need to heal without worrying about their job.' Deputy Prime Minister Ms Rayner similarly said that 'no-one who is going through the heartbreak of pregnancy loss should have to go back to work before they are ready'. 'I am proud that this Government is introducing a day-one right to protected time off work after experiencing pregnancy loss, giving people time away from work to grieve and spend time with their families,' she said. Vicki Robinson, chief executive of the Miscarriage Association, welcomed the announcement, saying it was 'a hugely important step that acknowledges the often very significant impact of pre-24-week loss, not only for those experiencing the physical loss, but for their partners too'. It comes after ministers announced they would review the system of parental leave, declaring that the current system is 'not working' for families. Mr Reynolds said the Government will investigate the whole system for supporting new parents to take time off work when they have a baby, including maternity leave, paternity leave and shared arrangements.
