'No nation left behind' says Burnham after meeting first ministers in Glasgow
BBC News – UK
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Summary
Andy Burnham met the first ministers from Scotland and Wales and representatives from Northern Ireland in Glasgow The prime minister has said the UK's four nations must "move together" to devolve more power to regions and cities, following a meeting with the Scottish and Welsh first ministers in Glasgow. Andy Burnham said he wanted to ensure no nation was "left behind" after the sit-down, which also included representatives from Northern Ireland. SNP leader John Swinney said he welcomed recognition that "Westminster is not working for Scotland" and pledged to work "constructively and collaboratively" with Burnham, while Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iowerth said the meeting was "positive". Both first ministers have called for a wider conversation about independence but Burnham has ruled out referendums. Scotland 'not like Manchester', Swinney says in dig at PM Burnham Burnham invites Swinney to work together on 'deeper Scottish devolution' First minister says Budget not serious about Wales ahead of meeting with PM Speaking after the first National Economic Council for the nations in Glasgow, Burnham highlighted plans for devolution at the regional level, saying he wanted to ensure no nation was "left behind". "It's really important we all move at the same pace together, and I won't allow anything to delay that," the prime minister said. People need to see improvements in employment and in living standards in all parts of the UK." Northern Ireland was represented by officials at the meeting amid the political fallout from the Drumcree parade dispute . Burnham held talks with first ministers John Swinney (left) and Rhun ap Iowerth (right) Ministers and representatives at the summit discussed handing regions more powers to control employment support and funding for reindustrialisation. The prime minister said the UK government would look at "arrangements for further devolution of employment support for young people in both Scotland and Wales". Devolution has been at the heart of Burnham's policy agenda since he took his place in Downing Street this summer.
From the source
The meeting involved representatives from the UK's four nations to discuss devolving more powers to regions and cities.
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