Keir Starmer and John Swinney meet as Council of Nations and Regions gathers in Edinburgh

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and First Minister John Swinney are meeting in Edinburgh today as part of the UK Government’s first Council of Nations and Regions.

The council, with includes representatives from across the UK, will focus on joint-working to deliver investment and economic growth.

It is part of the new Labour government’s efforts to reset relationships with the devolved nations, which have been under strain in recent years.

Ahead of the meeting, the prime minister confirmed £24bn of private investment had been secured for green energy projects across the UK.

Starmer said: “Today’s investments are a huge vote of confidence in this government and our relentless focus to drive growth across the UK.

“Whether you’re in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England – we are creating the conditions for businesses to thrive, and our International Investment Summit will be a springboard for every part of the UK to be an engine of innovation and investment.

“Today I’m convening the first ever Council of Nations and Regions because it is when we work together in the spirit of genuine partnership that we can deliver the real change people want to see and improve opportunities for all.”

The International Investment Summit is to take place on Monday, with Scottish ministers expected to be in attendance.

The first minister has said he will use the council meeting to press for more public sector investment.

Swinney said: “We know the acute pressures facing public finances and the need to grow the economy. Today’s meeting should be an opportunity to speak frankly about the big issues facing Scotland – and the UK – and to discuss the action required to deliver meaningful change.

“I hope to persuade the prime minister of the transformative potential of public sector investment to stop the austerity agenda and attract the type of long-term financial investment required to grow our economy and advance the sectors – and the jobs – of the future.

“The Scottish Government stands ready to work in partnership to ensure we are working together to make those opportunities a reality in line with the principles of devolution.”

The Welsh first minister, Northern Ireland’s first minister and deputy first minister, and regional mayors from across England will attend the meeting.

But there had been some criticism that no regional representatives from within Scotland had been invited.

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said: “All of Scotland’s cities and city regions are ignored and excluded, while our English peers are invited to a meeting taking place in Scotland.

“Scotland’s city regions are among the leading drivers of investment into these islands. We seek only equal treatment.”