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Labour completely out of touch with devolved parliaments

Sue Gray rejects position as Envoy to Nations and Regions

The UK Labour government is out of touch with what the devolved nations actually need and want, says Scottish Greens constitution spokesperson Patrick Harvie MSP.

The comments follow reports that former Downing Street Chief of Staff Sue Gray has rejected the position of Envoy for the Nations and Regions.

Scottish Greens constitution spokesperson Patrick Harvie MSP said:

“Keir Starmer clearly doesn’t know what devolved parliaments need or want, which is why he has proposed this non-entity role that was rejected by the office holder before she even began.

“For years, Scotland has been forced to watch on as our budgets have been slashed, our powers have been snatched, and Westminster’s overreach has got out of control.

“Desperately trying to appoint a new envoy to relieve his internal issues is just papering over the deep cracks. We need real systematic change to respect Scotland’s democracy.

“The Scottish Greens have called for further devolution of revenue-raising powers, immigration and workers' rights to ensure Scotland can break away from the toxic capitalist-centric rhetoric of Westminster.

“With support for the Labour government collapsing in front of our eyes, the best way to ensure Scotland’s voice is heard is with the powers of a normal independent nation that can manage our finances and forge a future as a modern European democracy.”