Rishi Sunak has said he wants to “tangibly and visibly” demonstrate the UK Government’s presence in Scotland.
The Prime Minister has been in Inverness this week as part of a two-day trip north of the border, during which he announced two new green freeports in Scotland.
On Thursday night, he met with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to discuss challenges the UK and Scottish governments face.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, he was asked about recent polling which showed an uptick in support for Scottish independence, with some reporting a Yes vote of more than 50%.
It was great to be in Inverness today meeting rescue services and hearing more about the life-saving work they do every day. I also sat down with First Minister @NicolaSturgeon to discuss the challenges we jointly face and how best to deliver for communities across the UK. pic.twitter.com/CTuqMAXkgM
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) January 12, 2023
Mr Sunak said: “I’m really keen as Prime Minister for the United Kingdom to make sure that everyone in Scotland realises that I’m passionately committed to delivering for them.”
He said he is keen to have a “constructive working relationship” with the Scottish Government, saying he spoke to Ms Sturgeon soon after becoming Prime Minister.
Mr Sunak continued: “You can see it today and yesterday with my visit and my meeting with her and the announcement today.
“I think that’s what I want to keep doing more on, I want to keep demonstrating tangibly and visibly to people in Scotland that the UK Government is here trying to make a big difference to their lives.”
As well as the freeports, he said communities in Scotland are benefitting from the UK Government’s levelling up money.
He said: “These are all examples of where we can demonstrate the benefit and the value of the UK Government to people in Scotland.”
The Prime Minister was also asked about the SNP’s plans to treat the next general election as a de facto referendum on independence.
He said: “I think people vote for all sorts of things in general elections, but what I’m focused on doing is delivering on people’s priorities.”
Devolved and UK governments are currently dealing with challenges in the NHS, the impact of the war in Ukraine and inflation, he said.
Mr Sunak said: “Those are the challenges that we really need to tackle and today’s announcement is a good example of us working constructively with the Scottish Government to try and make a difference on some of those things.”
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community – a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation’s Editors’ Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here
© 2001-2023. This site is part of Newsquest’s audited local newspaper network. A Gannett Company. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. HP10 9TY. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |
Data returned from the Piano ‘meterActive/meterExpired’ callback event.
As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.
Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.
