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STV News
23-05-2025
- Business
- STV News
Swinney and Starmer discuss Grangemouth, migration, and economy at meeting
John Swinney met with the Prime Minister to discuss the future of Grangemouth, migration, the economy, and more on Friday. Swinney travelled to London to attend a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions – a unique forum of devolved government leaders and English mayors. Starmer was expected to discuss recent international trade deals with India, the United States, and Europe. Leaders also received a briefing on national security. The First Minister also met with Starmer one-on-one to talk about specific issues relating to Scotland. Following the meeting, a spokesperson for the Scottish Government said the pair discussed migration, the economy, the future of Grangemouth, and more. 'The First Minister held talks with the Prime Minister where they discussed key issues, including tackling child poverty, migration and growing the economy, not least by investing in Grangemouth, carbon capture and Project Acorn,' the spokesperson said. 'Discussions on international relations included trade deals, Ukraine and Gaza, including the need to end conflict and ensure humanitarian assistance. 'The First Minister also met the First Minister of Wales and the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland to discuss areas of common concern.' Swinney previously said he would also use the meeting to urge Starmer to take formal action to reverse the UK Labour Government's controversial winter fuel payment cuts. Ahead of the meeting on Thursday, Swinney said the first action of the UK Government must be to 'accept the cut to the Winter Fuel Payment was wrong and announce a restoration so all pensioners get a payment'. His statement comes days after Starmer indicated at Prime Minister's Questions that he wants more pensioners across the UK to be eligible for winter fuel payments following what he called improvements to the economy. Scottish leaders have called these indications 'empty', and Swinney said he would be pushing for Starmer to make the u-turn more concrete. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The National
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
John Swinney discusses 'need to end conflict' in Gaza with Keir Starmer
The Prime Minister held talks with devolved First Ministers in London on Friday, at the latest gathering of the Council of Nations and Regions. It comes after Starmer condemned Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 'egregious' actions in Gaza. In a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian premier Mark Carney on Tuesday, the PM called for a halt to Israel's military offensive and an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid. READ MORE: Scottish Labour's energy bills claim 'absurd' after price cap change Starmer also warned that the UK and allies will take 'concrete actions' unless he changes course. Netanyahu responded by claiming that by criticising him, saying the leaders 'want Hamas to remain in power'. Ahead of the summit in London, Swinney said there must be a UK-wide mission to raise living standards. Following the meeting, which included political leaders from Wales, Northern Ireland, and London and English metro mayors, the Scottish Government said several topics were discussed. 'The First Minister held talks with the Prime Minister where they discussed key issues, including tackling child poverty, migration and growing the economy - not least by investing in Grangemouth, carbon capture and Project Acorn,' a spokesperson said. (Image: ANDY BUCHANAN) "Discussions on international relations included trade deals, Ukraine and Gaza, including the need to end conflict and ensure humanitarian assistance. 'The First Minister also met the First Minister of Wales and the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland to discuss areas of common concern.' Swinney has previously condemned Israel's blockade of vital humanitarian aid into Gaza, saying history will 'judge harshly' on the country for inflicting prolonged suffering on the territory. He also called for an immediate and sustained ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, along with the unimpeded access for humanitarian aid, and for the end to licenced arms exports to Israel. READ MORE: Donald Trump calls for more drilling for oil in Scottish waters It comes after food security experts said the Gaza Strip is at critical risk of famine if Israel does not lift its blockade and stop its military campaign. On Wednesday, Netanyahu said that all of Gaza will be under Israel's control by the end of its offensive in the territory. 'At the end of this campaign, all of the territories of the Gaza Strip will be under Israel's security control,' he told journalists. And, we told how the UK Government sent a spy plane to surveil Gaza just hours after Foreign Secretary David Lammy described Israel's actions in the region as 'monstrous'.
Scotsman
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Starmer and Swinney meet with both still working out the relationship 'reset'
The Council of Nations and Regions will meet in London on Friday Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Sir Keir Starmer and John Swinney will meet today, with both parties still confused how to handle the attempt at improved relations. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are working on a "reset" of relations | Andy Buchanan/PA Wire When the Prime Minister first assumed office, his first act was to meet the First Minister, a political move but also one that was deeply symbolic. His Government, the Labour leader was showing, valued Scotland, and it would be fundamental to his thinking, not an afterthought. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Officials in both administrations have talked of a 'reset', and an attempt to improve the working relationship after a dynamic with the Conservatives that was always more political than pragmatic. There were clashes over policy, Covid, and the use of a Section 35 order to block the Gender Recognition Reform act. Sir Keir has sought to repair this, recognising differences but hoping there can be cross-government agreement. Today's meeting of the Prime Minister and devolved national and regional leaders is part of this reset, as the Prime Minister makes the case that his trade deals with the US, India and the EU will 'improve livelihoods' across the UK. As a party, the SNP have struggled in responding to the trade deal. The First Minister lamented he was not consulted, which he wouldn't be as it's a UK trade deal, and then claimed ministers had 'surrendered' on fishing, something his own Westminster leader seemed to distance himself from, saying it was wrong to call it a 'surrender'. The criticism also finds more commonality with the Tories and Reform, and doesn't take into account the view of the trade body Salmon Scotland, who welcomed the EU deal. France is the biggest market for Scottish salmon, and produce can now be sold without veterinary checks. That's the UK Government removing a costly barrier, in a boost to Scottish business. As such, it requires a more nuanced response, something that the First Minister now seems to recognise. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jenny Gilruth and Shirley-Anne Somerville are bidding to retain their seats at Holyrood (Pic: Fraser Bremner-Pool/Getty Images) Ahead of the meeting, he spoke about the need for a 'UK-wide' mission to raise living standards. While he mentioned the winter fuel payment, it is notable he is not calling for Scotland to be emboldened, but rather for a national strategy. The Covid years saw divides on how to respond to a national emergency. The Scottish Government is now willing to collaborate. Regulations on vapes and tobacco come following agreement between the two administrations, the UK Government fast-tracked Holyrood climate change legislation following a request from the Scottish Government, and ScotRail remains in public hands with the Act delivered by the UK government providing strengthened legal underpinnings to Scottish Ministers' powers. The Scottish Secretary has also signed 10 Scotland Act Orders since coming to office. This highlights the tricky balance of having improved relations while still campaigning, something Labour are acutely aware of. In previous years, Labour figures would be lining up to criticise the SNP at every juncture. While there is political criticism, they are now much more cautious, both on and off the record. Senior officials stress that the reset is real, and they genuinely don't want to criticise the people they are working with. It is why some in Government were genuinely surprised to see the First Minister publicly call for the nationalisation of Grangemouth, something that had never been mentioned in the almost weekly meetings about the refinery. There was a feeling that it was a crisis being worked out together.
Edinburgh Reporter
23-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
First Minister to tell Prime Minister to reinstate winter fuel payment for all
The First Minister, John Swinney, is in London today at the UK Government's Council of Nations and Regions. Mr Swinney will tell the Prime Minister that the Winter Fuel Payment must be restored. Mr Swinney said ahead of the meeting that the UK needs a national mission to raise living standards and provide people with hope that things will get easier, starting with the restoration of a Winter Fuel Payment to all pensioner households. He said he will press for action to help people struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis, amid increasing inflation and international economic instability, and that the first action of the UK Government must be to accept the cut to the Winter Fuel Payment was wrong, and announce a restoration so all pensioners get a payment. The First Minister said people need to believe things can get easier and that he plans to raise specific concerns relating to Scotland's economy with the Prime Minister which could help accelerate economic growth. This includes the impact on Scotland of the recently announced UK-US trade deal, the agreement reached with the European Union, Carbon Capture and the case for a bespoke migration policy for Scotland. Mr Swinney will be in London for a programme of meetings, including a bilateral with the Prime Minister, a multilateral with the First Minister of Wales, First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, and a plenary session of the Council of Nations and Regions. Mr Swinney said: 'People across the UK are living through a period of huge uncertainty and for some, that is undermining the trust they have in government. 'Cutting the winter fuel payment saw the UK Government breaking promises and removing vital financial support for some of the most vulnerable in our society. Having effectively conceded the argument by announcing a partial U-turn, the Prime Minister should accept the cut was wrong and restore a universal winter fuel payment. 'In Scotland, we are introducing universal winter heating payments through our Cost of Living Guarantee. This will see payment made to all pensioner households, with the poorest receiving the most support which is fair amid ongoing pressures. 'If the UK government want to provide people with hope that things will get easier, the Prime Minister should restore the winter fuel payment as part of a new national mission to raise living standards. 'I will raise this issue with him alongside other critical issues, including our proposal for a Scottish Graduate Visa, Carbon Capture and what impacts recent trade deals will have on Scottish producers and businesses. 'We are willing to work with him and the UK Government, but the question is whether he is willing to work with Scotland and give people hope that a better future is possible.' Like this: Like Related
Business News Wales
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Prime Minister Challenges Wales' First Minister to Drive Economic Growth
The Prime Minister Keir Starmer is challenging devolved leaders – including First Minister Eluned Morgan – to drive economic growth. At a meeting of the Council of Nations and Regions in London, the Prime Minister is due to tell leaders from the Devolved Governments and English Mayors that trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve lives. The UK Government said the deals would deliver benefits across Wales, supporting job creation, reducing costs and expanding export opportunities. The Prime Minister is also expected to lead discussions about spreading AI to help people access the services that they need. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 'These trade deals deliver long term security for people in Wales. They will create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment to grow the economy, making a difference to people's lives. 'These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it's lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across Wales.' Russell Greenslade, Director, CBI Wales, said: 'As an export-led economy, the Government's commitment to free and fair trade will be welcomed by firms across Wales. 'Amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and economic headwinds, these agreements with the US, India and the EU will reduce existing barriers to trade and provide Welsh firms with a renewed sense of optimism as they look to seize new international opportunities. 'Deals like these will be critical to driving growth, creating jobs and raising living standards across our nation.' More than 200 Welsh businesses exported goods worth £226 million to India last year, and the UK Government said this could grow further under the new trade deal. It also said that Welsh farmers would benefit from the India deal with tariffs on lamb reduced from 33% to 0%. Enhanced copyright protections for producers would benefit the Welsh creative sector, the UK Government said, as it meant they could be confident that works will continue to be protected for at least 60 years. The deal will support further development in the clean energy sector, the UK Government said, as the UK gains 'unprecedented access' to India's procurement market as they transition towards a net zero economy. The sector will also benefit from the new EU deal which agrees cooperation on clean energy and links schemes for emissions trading – something the UK Government says is worth up to £3.8 billion a year in the long run. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 'The trade deals with India, the US and the EU are great news for Welsh consumers, Welsh business, and Welsh jobs. 'Taken together these deals mean a huge boost for our key industries, from farming to green energy and the creative sector. We want to grow our economy and create secure well-paid jobs and by unlocking new markets and opportunities we can deliver on that promise.' Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 'The three landmark deals secured this month with the US, India, and the EU have shown this Government is serious about striking the deals that our businesses want and need. 'We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change. For Welsh businesses, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.'
