West of England metro mayor Dan Norris is joining Sir Keir Starmer’s first council of nations and regions in Scotland this week. The prime minister has said he is “determined to bring forward a new era of stability, trust and partnership” with the devolved nations and local regional leaders.
As well as mayors from across England, Sir Keir will be joined at the meeting on Friday, October 11, by the first minister of Wales, the first minister of Scotland, and the first and deputy first ministers of Northern Ireland.
Mr Norris who heads up the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) said the “new era” of partnership with Westminster would lead to regional mayors being given further powers.
He said: “I was elected on a pledge to boost our region’s economy, create new jobs, and promote the West of England nationally and internationally. The coming week offers another brilliant chance to do exactly that once again: working with the prime minister and fellow mayors.”
The first council meeting will focus on investment and growth, and takes place three days before the Labour party’s first international investment summit. The government is hoping the summit will signal the UK is open for business and encourage private investors to back its growth agenda.
Sir Keir said: “I’ve set out that we will be doing things differently, and that’s exactly why we are delivering our promise to convene the first council of the nations and regions as we work as one team to maximise opportunities ahead of the investment summit.
“No more talking shops of the past. Genuine, meaningful, and focused partnership to change the way we do business, redefine our position on the world’s stage, and unlock the whole of the UK’s untapped potential to make everyone, everywhere better off.”
Ex-Google boss Eric Schmidt is among business leaders slated to attend the summit. Other confirmed speakers include Ruth Porat, president of Google owner Alphabet; Alex Kendall, chief executive of Wayve; and Bruce Flatt, chief of Brookfield Asset Management.
Mr Schmidt said: “I’m looking forward to discussing with the prime minister how we can drive even greater investment in research and education to ensure the UK stays at the forefront of these technological breakthroughs.”
Mr Norris, who will also be attending the summit, added: “I’m excited to showcase some of the very best of the West of England to global investors next week.”