Prime Minister Andy Burnham has invited the Scottish government to work alongside Westminster to put decision-making power back into the hands of local regions and communities. Speaking at an event in Motherwell, Burnham proposed starting work on a new deal for regional economic development in the coming months, which includes an offer of devolution from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Burnham called for further powers to be devolved from Holyrood to local areas.
First Minister John Swinney said he would "of course" work with the prime minister if he wants to devolve more powers to Scotland. The SNP leader previously sent a letter to the prime minister outlining points for engagement. SNP figures noted that increased devolved powers have been a longstanding goal since the Smith Commission report was published in 2014.
Meanwhile, UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the regional devolution plan, arguing that the focus should instead be on granting new oil and gas licences in the North Sea.