First Minister will today (Friday 11 October)
press Prime Minister Sir to work with him to deliver
increased investment in Scotland's economy and public services to
grow the economy, support public services and raise living
standards.
Ahead of the first full meeting of the UK Government's Council of
Nations and Regions, the First Minister will meet privately with
the Prime Minister to encourage UK Government investment in
measures that raise living standards, end austerity, and attract
significant private sector investment in the sectors and jobs of
the future.
The First Minister will then join a meeting between the Prime
Minister, the First Minister of Wales, the First Minister of
Northern Ireland, and the deputy First Minister of Northern
Ireland. This will be followed by a meeting of all those invited
by the UK Government to participate in the Council of Nations and
Regions.
Speaking ahead of the meetings, First Minister said:
“In July, I pledged to work constructively with the Prime
Minister to tackle poverty, grow Scotland's economy and support
our public services. If we are truly serious about growing our
economy and tackling poverty, we must acknowledge the barriers
that prevent the Scottish Government advancing our progressive
agenda.
“We know the acute pressures facing public finances and the need
to grow the economy. Today's meeting should be an opportunity to
speak frankly about the big issues facing Scotland - and the UK -
and to discuss the action required to deliver meaningful change.
“I hope to persuade the Prime Minister of the transformative
potential of public sector investment to stop the austerity
agenda and attract the type of long-term financial investment
required to grow our economy and advance the sectors – and the
jobs – of the future. The Scottish Government stands ready to
work in partnership to ensure we are working together to make
those opportunities a reality in line with the principles of
devolution.
“We have already shown that public sector investment is a force
for good through the measures we have taken in Scotland. We must
build on that progress by ensuring the UK economy becomes a
vehicle for growth, one that raises living standards and finally
eradicates poverty.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
The First Minister will meet with the Prime Minister in Edinburgh
today and intends to raise the following matters:
- The forthcoming UK Budget and the need for significantly
increased public sector investment that delivers additional
consequentials for the Scottish Government
- Scotland's economic potential and the need to provide
certainty and stability to investors
- Reaffirming SG's commitment to delivering our energy
priorities, including seeking urgent clarity on the Acorn carbon
capture and storage project.
- Resetting relations between the UK and Scottish Governments
in a meaningful way – that produces tangible outcomes
