Moore pledges better devolution links with Whitehall
The Ministerhe Secretary听has welcomed a听new devolution ministers network which will meet regularly under the chairmanship of the Deputy Prime Minister
Every department in Whitehall听 has nominated a minister responsible for ensuring devolution issues are taken into account when the UK Government makes decisions.
The Secretary of State for Scotland wrote to the First Minister to inform him of the new devolution ministers network which will meet regularly under the chairmanship of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Its members will work closely with the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the SCDI Annual Forum in St Andrews, the Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said the country鈥檚 two governments had to work closely together and that embedding the culture of devolution throughout the UK鈥檚 civil service structure would make for a better working relationship between Holyrood and Westminster.
The coalition government made a clear commitment to a mutual respect agenda and the Scotland Office, other UK departments and their Ministers have actively engaged with their counterparts in Edinburgh.
The Minister said:
鈥淲e have made great progress in the relationship between the two governments in Scotland since coming to power. Our approach of mutual respect is the only basis for good working relations between Westminster and the devolved administrations.
鈥淲hile we have ensured, there are good lines of communication and consistent cross-border cooperation but we cannot be complacent.
鈥淚 strongly support the new approach as devolution is fundamental to this government鈥檚 values and embedded in our national life.
鈥淲hatever the outcome of this May鈥檚 election, the UK government will seek to engage actively and constructively with the next Scottish Government.
鈥淭he new network of Devolution Ministers is a further indication of our commitment to that approach.鈥�
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