Prime Minister Andy Burnham has offered the devolved governments a new partnership aimed at pushing power beyond national parliaments and into cities, towns and regions. The offer was made at the first National Economic Council meeting dedicated to the nations, held in Glasgow on 30 October, with Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and Wales's First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth.

Burnham said devolution should not stop at transferring powers from one parliament to another. Instead, he argued, decisions should sit closer to the communities that understand local needs, unlocking growth, jobs and opportunities in every postcode. The meeting also covered reindustrialisation, opportunities for young people and removing barriers to growth.

A policy sprint led by No10 North

After the talks, the UK Government and the devolved leaders agreed to a policy sprint led by No10 North, involving officials from each government, to explore how each side could contribute to regional empowerment and reindustrialisation. The Prime Minister said he looked forward to Cardiff hosting the next meeting of the council in spring 2027.

The Glasgow meeting followed the announcement of £1 billion of investment across the UK over four years in innovation clusters, intended to help promising regions build strong industries. Burnham also pointed to his experience as a former mayor, saying devolved powers had helped Greater Manchester set its own direction. He raised live industrial questions in Scotland and Wales, including steel and oil and gas, and said employment support would be part of the discussion. The UK Government said it would review and respond to a range of issues raised by Scotland's First Minister, while a second independence referendum remained off the table.