Scotland and Wales have firmly rejected calls from the UK government to extend English‑style local devolution powers across the rest of the United Kingdom, according to the Guardian. First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and Wales' First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth made clear that decisions on further devolving powers rest solely with their respective parliaments, not Westminster.
Their stance came in response to Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, who has been pushing for expanded regional powers nationwide. The disagreement emerged after Burnham held discussions in Glasgow with Swinney and ap Iorwerth regarding localized employment and reindustrialization powers. While Downing Street described the talks as constructive, the first ministers maintained that devolution matters fall entirely within the jurisdiction of Holyrood and the Senedd.
The Guardian reported that the exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Westminster and the devolved governments over the extent and control of local governance structures across the UK.
Source: The Guardian.
