Burnham and Swinney discuss regional devolution in Glasgow

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Scottish First Minister John Swinney held talks in Glasgow on regional devolution, describing their discussions as constructive while leaving key questions about powers and constitutional differences unresolved. Before the meeting, Burnham called for the UK and devolved governments to work together on regional empowerment. He said the aim was to give communities more ability to use local strengths and unlock economic potential. Swinney had said further devolution must be agreed with the Scottish Government, not imposed over its head, and that his government had submitted proposals to support economic growth. After the talks, Burnham said the two governments had found common ground. He identified possible devolution of innovation funding to regions and greater control over employment support in Scotland and Wales, particularly for young people. He also suggested Glasgow might receive more control over its finances, comparable to powers announced for English city regions. These were areas for consideration, not announced agreements. Swinney said he had put forward proposals to Burnham and that the UK prime minister had agreed to consider them....