Why This Matters
- A shift of decision-making away from Westminster and Holyrood would change where power sits for regions and towns across the UK.
- The plan touches on the sensitive question of Scotland's place in the Union, particularly given the SNP's accusation of hypocrisy over the government's referendum stance.
- The published details will show how far the government intends to go beyond existing devolution arrangements.
Background
The UK already devolves significant powers to the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, alongside the Welsh and Northern Irish assemblies. The idea of extending devolution further, to English regions, cities and towns, has been debated for years, with supporters arguing it would bring decision-making closer to communities. The prime minister's expected announcement appears to extend that idea to Scotland as well.
Key Perspectives
The UK government: Argues that decision-making should be spread beyond Westminster and Holyrood, towards regions and towns, bringing power closer to people.
The SNP: A minister has accused the prime minister of hypocrisy, suggesting the government's position on independence referendums is inconsistent with its devolution message.
Skeptics: The plans have yet to be detailed, and questions remain over which powers would move, how much funding would follow them, and whether the changes would satisfy either side of the constitutional debate.
What to Watch
- The full detail of the prime minister's announcement as it emerges.
- Andy Burnham's speech in Scotland and the response from Scottish political leaders.
- Whether the SNP minister's hypocrisy accusation develops into a wider row over the government's referendum policy.