Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has said he is willing to work with Prime Minister Andy Burnham on proposals to devolve more powers to Scottish regions, while rejecting criticism that his government has concentrated too much decision-making at Holyrood.
Speaking during the SNP conference in Aberdeen on 16 October 2026, Swinney said he would work constructively with the Prime Minister if the proposals brought additional powers to Scotland. His response followed a UK government invitation for cooperation on regional devolution.
Burnham proposes regional empowerment
In a speech in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, Burnham called for a new model of regional economic empowerment, arguing that communities in Scotland should benefit from greater local influence over employment support and potentially other services.
The Prime Minister proposed exploring more localised employment support, with arrangements shaped alongside the Scottish Government. He suggested that housing and transport powers could be considered in future discussions, drawing on English devolution arrangements without requiring Scotland to adopt the same mayoral model.
Downing Street’s announcement described the offer as a partnership between the UK and Scottish governments to move decision-making closer to local communities. The Prime Minister also argued that Scotland had become too centralised, an assessment disputed by the SNP.
Swinney welcomes talks but rejects centralisation criticism
Swinney said he would cooperate on bringing more powers to Scotland and pointed to his involvement in establishing and expanding Scottish devolution. However, he strongly criticised Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander after Alexander accused Holyrood of retaining too much control.
Alexander said the UK government wanted to work with the Scottish Government and local authorities to empower regions. The exchange highlights disagreement over where responsibility for future devolution should sit, even as both administrations express a willingness to discuss reforms.
Independence remains a dividing line
The visit coincided with the SNP’s annual conference. Burnham urged politicians to focus on practical changes rather than prolonged constitutional disputes, while SNP figures continued to press for the powers needed to hold another independence referendum.
No agreement to transfer powers has been concluded. The proposals remain subject to discussion between governments, and the offer does not amount to consent for a further independence referendum.