Prime Minister Keir Starmer Initiates ‘Reset’ with Devolved Nations Starting with Scotland Tour

Sir Keir Starmer aims to strengthen ties with devolved governments starting with a trip to Scotland as part of his UK-wide tour. The Prime Minister emphasizes that collaboration with these regional administrations is crucial for enacting change throughout the nation.

Political journalist @Journoamrogers

Sunday, July 7, 2024, 3:

Today, Sir Keir Starmer is set to start his journey across the UK by first stopping in Scotland, where he plans to hold discussions with the nation's First Minister, John Swinney.

During his inaugural press briefing since securing a significant electoral win last Thursday, the prime minister declared plans to commence a nationwide tour of the UK.

Sir Keir, whose party secured 37 seats in Scotland, announced plans to visit Scotland first, followed by trips to Northern Ireland, Wales, and then returning to England, as part of an effort to enhance collaboration with the leaders of the devolved administrations.

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Prior to his initial official duty as the newly elected leader, the prime minister stated, "Across the United Kingdom, there is a common bond that unites us—essential principles like respect, service, and community, which truly characterize us as a distinguished nation."

"Starting today, my administration is taking a new direction in how we collaborate with the first and deputy first ministers. It's crucial that our interactions are based on mutual respect, as this will be essential in driving progress throughout the United Kingdom."

"United, we can start the process of reconstructing our nation, with a determined commitment to once again prioritize the needs of the working population."

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Sir Keir stated that he received a "mandate from all four nations," even though Labour candidates were not listed in Northern Ireland. He expressed his intention to "create a new, improved method of collaboration throughout the United Kingdom, distinct from the approaches we've seen in the recent past."

Throughout his tour, the prime minister plans to meet with elected mayors from various political parties across the regions, acknowledging that "those directly involved are most knowledgeable about their community's needs."

Next week, Sir Keir will make his first appearance on the global scene as he heads to Washington DC to attend the NATO leaders' summit.

He is also set to preside over the European Political Community Summit in the UK on July 18.

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Following the selection of his cabinet on Friday afternoon, Sir Keir led the inaugural meeting on Saturday morning, where he addressed his top officials, stating, "Now we get on with our work."

The prime minister expressed to his colleagues how "absolutely fantastic" it was to have them at Downing Street, yet he emphasized the "huge amount" of work that awaited them following 14 years of Conservative governance.

As the day progressed, he continued to assign ministerial roles, notably naming ex-international development secretary Douglas Alexander as a minister within the business department.

Prior to the election, Ellie Reeves, who served as the deputy national campaign coordinator for the party, was appointed as a minister without portfolio. Meanwhile, Dan Jarvis, the ex-mayor of South Yorkshire, was named a minister at the Home Office.

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Jim McMahon and Matthew Pennycook have been appointed as state ministers in the department for levelling up.

Jacqui Smith, previously the home secretary during Gordon Brown's tenure, has been appointed as an education minister and will receive a life peerage to enable her to assume this position.

Prominent topics for upcoming cabinet discussions include the initial six priorities outlined in the Labour manifesto by Sir Keir. These priorities are: establishing economic stability, reducing wait times for NHS services, initiating a new border security force, founding Great British Energy, tackling anti-social behavior, and hiring 6,500 additional teachers.

The prime minister is confronted with a challenging array of issues early in his tenure, such as a National Health Service backlog involving 6.3 million people, the ongoing small boats situation in the Channel, an overburdened prison infrastructure, and slow economic expansion.

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Sir Keir's choice to make Scotland his first stop is emblematic, reflecting the party's considerable revival there, where its representation surged from a single seat in the previous election to 37 seats currently.

In stark contrast, the once leading SNP experienced a disastrous election, plummeting to only nine seats in Westminster from their previous count of 38.

Following the loss, Mr. Swinney, the head of the SNP, acknowledged that his party needed to engage in deep reflection, conceding that they had been unsuccessful in persuading the public about the case for independence.

The SNP's recent performance is widely considered a consequence of the significant internal conflicts within the party over the past two years. This unrest was highlighted by the abrupt resignation of longtime leader Nicola Sturgeon last year. Following her departure, Humza Yousaf took over but stepped down after just over a year in office as first minister.

An ongoing police probe continues to look into the location of £600,000 collected by advocates for independence campaigning.

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