The key facts

  • Andy Burnham urged moving “at the same pace” when devolving powers to all parts of the UK
  • The devolution of innovation funding and the localisation of youth employment support were discussed
  • Northern Ireland’s representatives were absent from the summit; talks with Stormont will continue

The Prime Minister urged that no nation be left behind

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, following the morning devolution summit, called for coordinating the transfer of powers to regional authorities across all parts of the country, warning that no nation should fall behind while England advances the process. Anadolu reported this. “I don’t want Scotland to be left behind. I don’t want Wales to be left behind, but crucially, I don’t want Northern Ireland to be left behind either,” he told journalists.

Northern Ireland’s absence and the political context

Burnham expressed disappointment that the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland were not present at the summit, although there was some representation: “We will continue discussions with Stormont on how to advance the same ideas and agreements to devolve power to all parts of the United Kingdom.” The summit took place against a backdrop of growing political tension: Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are currently led by First Ministers from nationalist parties advocating independence from the UK.

What was discussed: innovation and employment

According to the Prime Minister, the devolution agenda in England is moving quickly, and the budget contains further measures to expand regional devolution. “It is vital that we all move at the same pace. And I will not let anything delay this. Growth cannot wait. People need to see improvements in employment and living standards in all parts of the UK,” he stressed. Two topics were discussed at the summit: reindustrialisation and employment support. The transfer of innovation funding to the regional level is being considered, and, as Burnham noted, Scotland and Wales will themselves decide what such structures should look like in their countries. The second topic is localising employment support, especially for young people: “Too many young people are out of work here, in Scotland, in Wales, and in England too.” After the National Economic Council meeting, discussions will continue on transferring additional employment support powers to Scotland and Wales, with a focus on young people.