What's happened
On May 23, 2025, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney met to discuss recent trade deals and their potential to improve livelihoods across the UK. Key topics included carbon capture investment and the future of the Grangemouth oil refinery.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights:
- Trade Agreements: The recent trade deals are positioned as a means to enhance economic stability and growth across the UK, particularly benefiting Scottish exports like whisky and salmon.
- Political Dynamics: The meeting reflects a shift towards improved relations between the UK government and devolved administrations, moving away from previous tensions.
- Economic Impact: The focus on carbon capture and the Grangemouth refinery indicates a strategic pivot towards sustainable energy solutions, which could reshape the economic landscape in Scotland.
- Future Outlook: As the UK government emphasizes the importance of these trade deals, the real test will be whether they translate into tangible benefits for local economies and communities.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, discussions between Sir Keir Starmer and John Swinney included key issues like child poverty and economic growth, highlighting the importance of trade deals in improving livelihoods. The Scotsman noted the confusion within the SNP regarding the trade agreements, with Swinney expressing concerns over fishing rights and the need for a UK-wide strategy to raise living standards. David Hughes from The Scotsman emphasized the potential benefits of these trade deals for Scottish produce, while also noting criticism from the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation regarding the EU deal. This contrast illustrates the complexities of navigating trade negotiations and regional interests.
How we got here
The meeting follows a series of trade agreements with the US, India, and the EU aimed at boosting the UK economy. The Council of Nations was established to enhance collaboration between UK ministers and devolved governments.
Go deeper
- What are the specific benefits of the new trade deals?
- How will the Grangemouth refinery be affected?
- What are the concerns from the Scottish Fishermen's Federation?
More on these topics
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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John Ramsay Swinney is a Scottish politician serving as Deputy First Minister of Scotland since 2014 and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills since 2016.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.