Michael Marra calls for decentralisation of Holyrood powers

Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra is expected to advocate for the decentralisation of powers from the Scottish Parliament to local regions during the UK Labour conference in Liverpool.

Marra argues that excessive centralisation in Holyrood has hindered economic growth, suggesting that if Scottish regions had grown at the same rate as Manchester, the economy would be £30 billion larger. He criticized the SNP for proposing local government reorganisations that he claims further centralise control rather than devolving power.

A key focus of his proposal is addressing Scotland’s skills shortage crisis. Marra noted that half of Scottish employers report shortages and that apprenticeship funding has declined. He highlighted that the lack of local skilled workers has necessitated hiring welders from the Philippines and South Africa for Scottish shipbuilding projects. Marra is calling for new devolution deals that place control and funding in the hands of local councils, colleges, and industries.