Getty ImagesKeir Starmer has promised an “immediate reset” in the UK Government’s relationship with devolved nations as he heads for a tour of the UK.
The Prime Minister will meet Scottish First Minister John Swinney on Sunday after Labour’s landslide election victory.
Starmer insisted “respect” would be the key part of the bond between the new UK administration and its Scottish counterpart.
His first visit will be to Edinburgh on Sunday, where the PM will say he wants to “turn disagreement into co-operation” with the SNP north of the border.
Relations with the Scottish Government and Downing Street have become increasingly strained over the last few years, with several high-profile court battles including on gender reforms and independence.
Ahead of his trip north of the border, Starmer pledged to put Scotland “back at the beating heart” of everything the UK Government does.
The Labour leader said he was offering the Scottish Government a “genuine seat at the table” and that they could deliver change for a generation through “meaningful co-operation”.
Speaking ahead of the visit to Scotland, Starmer said: “Our UK Government will place Scotland back at the beating heart of everything we do.
“To the people of Scotland, my message is simple and clear: You are at the heart of how we unleash prosperity across the country. We will rebuild a strong Scotland at the forefront of our decade of national renewal.
“My offer to the Scottish Government is the same. We can turn disagreement into co-operation and, through meaningful co-operation and a genuine seat at the table, deliver change for a generation.”
In the phone call with Starmer on Friday evening, Swinney congratulated the new Prime Minister on his appointment and committed to working co-operatively with the UK Government on “areas of mutual interest”.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s meeting, Swinney said: “I was really pleased to have the opportunity to speak to the Prime Minister on his first day in office and to congratulate him and wish him, and his family, well.
“I look forward to welcoming the Prime Minister to Scotland, where I hope to have constructive discussions with him on our shared priorities for the people of Scotland.
“This includes eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, prioritising net zero and ensuring effective public services.
“I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to forge a positive relationship between our governments and, for our part, the Scottish Government is committed to working constructively with the UK Government to build a better Scotland.”
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