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by Staff reporter
12 January 2023
Rishi Sunak and Nicola Sturgeon hold 'working dinner' on PM's first visit to Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon and Rishi Sunak attended the British-Irish Council in November

Rishi Sunak and Nicola Sturgeon hold 'working dinner' on PM's first visit to Scotland

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will tonight meet for a "working dinner" on his first visit to Scotland since taking office.

Details surrounding the PM's visit to Scotland are strictly controlled, with Downing Street saying only that the pair would have an "informal and private" meal tonight ahead of a joint announcement tomorrow.

That is expected to "focus on the shared challenges that people in Scotland and across the UK face" and on "how both governments can cooperate meaningfully to ensure that they are jointly delivering for people, their families and communities".

Sunak is also expected to announce the locations of the UK Government's two planned green freeports.

The zoned areas offer tax breaks to companies operating within them in an effort to boost economic activity in struggling areas, and eight freeports have already been created in England. Critics say the zones are associated with tax avoidance and lower regulation, and Scottish ministers say those established here should be based around fair work practices and low-emission industries.

It's expected that Cromarty Firth and the Forth will be granted the status.

A spokesperson for Sunak said he will announce the joint delivery of millions of UK Government funding which will "create thousands of high-skilled green jobs, drive growth, potentially bring in billions of private sector investment and provide opportunities for people across Scotland".

The Conservative leader will also meet with a community group and members of the rescue services tonight.

His meeting with Sturgeon is the first to take place in person since the British Irish Council November. 

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