On her first official visit to Scotland, the Deputy Prime Minister the Rt Hon Angela Rayner met with John Swinney at Bute House.
Ms Rayner said that it was all about collaborative working but coming the day after Shona Robison announced cuts to public spending caused by Westminster cuts it appears there is a difference of opinion in the young relationship between the two governments.
After the meeting the First Minister said: “I am committed to building a constructive and collaborative relationship with the UK Government that delivers for the people of Scotland.
“In that spirit of cooperation, I was pleased to welcome the Deputy Prime Minister to Bute House to discuss how our two governments can work together on shared priorities such as supporting strong public services and reaching net-zero.
“Following recent criminal disorder in England and Northern Ireland, both governments restated their duty to tackle hatred of any kind and agreed we have a responsibility to confront racism and religious prejudice wherever, and whenever, it appears – including on social media.
“I expressed concern at the UK Government’s decision to cut spending for the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners without any consultation with The Scottish Government.
“Scotland faces the most challenging financial circumstances in the devolution era and has no alternative but to replicate this decision which will impact tens of thousands of pensioners in Scotland.
“As I have previously warned, we need an injection of investment in our public services to deal with rising pressures and the ongoing cost of austerity.
“I look forward to engaging with the UK Government in areas where we can work together.”
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