Returning to Scotland with a Vision
It is a pleasure to be here with you today, and I extend my gratitude to the college for hosting this gathering. It feels wonderful to return to Scotland, particularly to Motherwell, which I have affectionately dubbed the true north—though I must ask you to keep that to yourselves, particularly from my friends in Manchester.
For those who may not be aware, I have established what I call Number 10 North, perhaps you would refer to it as Number 10 South here. Regardless, I am genuinely thrilled to be amongst you all. My last visit to Scotland was during the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where the city showcased its remarkable capacity to host such an event. I remain grateful for the effort they put into making it a success.
In fact, I find myself in Scotland more often than you might think. I managed to blend in unnoticed during my visit between Christmas and New Year last year for the Hibs-Hearts match, and I couldn’t help but notice that Motherwell is currently performing well in the SPL, above Hibs, I believe. I hope there are some Motherwell supporters present today.
I am here because I care deeply about Scotland and wish to discuss a significant proposition while seeking common ground. Since stepping into Downing Street in July, I have been committed to a new approach to politics—placing the community at the forefront rather than party. I genuinely believe that the people of Scotland, and indeed the entire UK, deserve better from their politicians.
Empowering Local Communities
Upon my departure from Westminster in 2017, I became the first Mayor of Greater Manchester, driven by the realisation that Westminster often failed to address the needs of the North of England. My experience with the Hillsborough tragedy further solidified this understanding, echoing frustrations that Scotland had articulated for years. During my decade as Mayor, I often felt that our treatment was inadequate, and I believe that sentiment resonates with many in Scotland.
It is essential for everyone in Scotland to know that my return to Westminster is not an endorsement of the old ways of governance. Rather, I am committed to enacting change. When I advocate for economic growth across every postcode, that includes every corner of Scotland. This requires decentralising power, enabling communities to enact meaningful change in their own lives.
A compelling example of this is the innovative work conducted by the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, which I witnessed during my visit to FARE-Scotland in Easterhouse in August 2023. Accompanied by the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit, we sought to learn from the groundbreaking initiatives being implemented in the community. Rather than discussing policing and violence, we focused on empowerment and opportunity.
The discussions highlighted the importance of reframing how we view communities, encouraging a shift from negative perceptions to celebrating their strengths and resources. We explored personalised pathways for young individuals, tailored to their unique needs, and ways to support them in securing opportunities without the barriers of feeling out of place.
Lessons from Local Initiatives
This experience profoundly impacted me, leading me to adopt similar principles back in Greater Manchester, culminating in the establishment of the Live Well model. This model diverged from traditional, top-down approaches that often foster distrust and exacerbate feelings of inadequacy among individuals interacting with the system. Instead, we aimed to empower local communities, enabling them to identify and implement solutions that work best for them.
Just as Easterhouse exemplified, we began to achieve remarkable results through this model. My goal as Prime Minister is to carry this ethos forward, pushing power out from Westminster and placing it into the hands of local people across the UK.
Scotland’s communities should not only be heard but also equipped to thrive post-deindustrialisation. It is crucial to ensure that no community faces neglect or is left powerless in the wake of economic shifts. The history of Motherwell, particularly its industrial past, serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of neglecting local needs.
Revitalising Scotland’s Economy
It is clear that Scotland has a proud industrial heritage, and the apprentices present today carry that legacy forward. However, many young people in the UK have been let down by decisions made far from their realities, often by those who lack an understanding of local circumstances.
Historically, this region contributed significantly to Britain’s industrial strength. The closure of Ravenscraig was not merely the loss of a factory but a devastating blow to an entire community, the repercussions of which were felt deeply. Decisions made hundreds of miles away had real, lasting consequences for everyday lives. It is a narrative that resonates with many former industrial communities, including my own, where I witnessed the struggles of former miners seeking compensation for health issues caused by their work.
As Prime Minister, my mission is to ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. I am here to articulate how I intend to drive change across the UK, empowering communities like Motherwell to reclaim their economic autonomy and address the challenges they face.
Addressing Inequalities Across Regions
Scotland’s regions must not be held back by systemic inequalities. The disparities in public transport, employment opportunities, and health outcomes between urban and rural areas are stark. For instance, a man in East Renfrewshire can expect to live, on average, seven years longer than his counterpart in Glasgow, despite the two locations being merely ten miles apart. These inequalities undermine trust in government and create a sense of unfairness that has persisted for too long.
As we witness communities suffer from declining job opportunities and empty high streets, it is essential to recognise that these challenges are not unique to Scotland; they are mirrored across England as well. The same pressures impact regions nationwide, highlighting the urgent need for a cohesive strategy to foster growth and opportunity in every postcode.
The potential of Scotland’s regions is immense. Areas like Dundee boast a thriving video games industry, while the Highlands and Islands are pioneering new ventures in space technology. Edinburgh’s fintech sector is flourishing, yet there remains untapped potential waiting to be realised. If local communities are given greater control over resources and decision-making, they can drive their own futures, creating a more balanced and prosperous economy.
A Call for Collaborative Action
As Prime Minister, I am dedicated to fostering collaboration between the UK government and the Scottish government. Recent initiatives, such as the agreement to establish defence technical excellence colleges, demonstrate the power of partnership. By working together, we can create opportunities for Scots to thrive in well-paid jobs within the defence sector, contributing to a robust economy.
We must also support Scottish shipbuilding and seek new investment opportunities for key sites like Grangemouth, ensuring that the next generation of energy jobs is created right here in Scotland. My commitment extends to working on a new deal for food and farming at the upcoming EU-UK Summit, recognising the vital role these sectors play in Scotland’s economy.
Moreover, public procurement needs reform to prioritise local industries. During my tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester, I made a deliberate choice to support Scottish manufacturing by procuring buses built in Falkirk. This approach not only bolsters local economies but also creates sustainable employment for communities.
Building a Future with Empowered Communities
In the coming weeks, I will engage with the National Economic Council and the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales to explore how we can devolve more powers and resources to localities, ensuring that every Scottish city region can thrive. We have an opportunity to redefine how we govern and empower communities across Scotland.
Let us shift our focus from what divides us to what unites us. The aim is to build a future where every region has the chance to flourish, where young people can access the skills and support they need to seize opportunities as they arise.
Currently, the statistics regarding youth unemployment and disengagement are unacceptable. Nearly one in six young people in Scotland are not in education, employment, or training. This is a pressing issue that demands our immediate attention. We must build a system based on the principles of individualised support, recognising that no two young people face the same challenges.
Creating a New Model for Localised Support
As we work towards deeper devolution in Scotland, the focus must be on empowering local communities to shape their futures. This means developing a system that prioritises local voices and needs, moving away from centralised, one-size-fits-all approaches. It is about fostering a sense of ownership and agency among the people of Scotland.
I offer a vision of collaboration, where the Scottish government and local authorities come together to develop a new model of employment support that resonates with the unique needs of each community. By adhering to the ‘names not numbers’ principle, we can ensure that every individual is treated with dignity and respect, unlocking their potential and building a brighter future for all.
In conclusion, I invite all of you to join me in this endeavour. Let us work together—across governments and communities—to revitalise Scotland and reindustrialise the UK. The time for change is upon us, and I believe that together, we can create a prosperous future for every corner of Scotland.
Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to the possibility of forging a new path forward together.