Rishi Sunak appeals for leaders of devolved nations to 'work together'

Rishi Sunak has appealed to the leaders of the devolved nations to work together and build a future “defined not by division, but by unity” ahead of meeting with Nicola Sturgeon.

The Prime Minister will meet with Scotland’s First Minister on Thursday for the first time since entering No 10.

They will hold talks at a meeting of the British-Irish Council in Blackpool.

Sunak is the first prime minister since Gordon Brown in 2007 to attend a meeting of the Council.

The body was established in 1999 following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

It aims to help strengthen inter-government relations between the UK and Irish governments, as well as the devolved administrations.

Representatives from the governments of the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey will also attend.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford will also speak with Sunak.

The Conservative Party leader is expected to provide an update to the Council ahead of the Autumn statement, due to be set out by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

Sunak will also underlined the need for a collective effort to provide long-term economic stability.

“We face huge challenges from global economic headwinds to war in Europe,” he is expected to say.

“So let’s be pragmatic. Let’s work together in our shared interests.

“Let’s deliver for all our people across these great islands and build a future defined not by division, but by unite and hope.”

Minister for intergovernmental relations Michael Gove will represent the UK Government at the plenary session of the summit on Friday, November 11.

“The Prime Minister’s attendance at the British-Irish Council is a signal of our intent to work positively with our Irish counterparts and colleagues from the devolved governments and Crown dependencies across the UK,” said Gove ahead of the meeting.

“I look forward to chairing the Council this week and working cooperatively in the months ahead as we face up to many shared challenges.”