Do People in Scotland and Wales Want Governments to Work Together? The Answer Is a Resounding Yes.

Our recent briefing explored public attitudes in Scotland and Wales and delivered a striking message: people want better cooperation between their devolved governments and Westminster. The polling, carried out in early 2026, surveyed over 1,800 people across both nations. Its focus? How well the UK Government and the devolved governments are working together and whether that cooperation matters to voters.

Almost everyone wants better cooperation

One of the most significant findings is just how strong the appetite for cooperation is. Around 95% of people in both Scotland and Wales say they want stronger working relationships between their government and Westminster.

Very few people favour conflict or distance between governments. Instead, the public mood leans toward collaboration. People clearly believe that when governments work together, things function better.

But most think it’s not working right now

Despite strong support for cooperation, most people think the current system isn’t delivering. Around a quarter of respondents in Scotland and even fewer in Wales believe that their government and Westminster are working well together. The majority say relations are ineffective and need improvement. So, while people want partnership, they don’t feel they’re seeing it.

However, there is a sense of optimism with most respondents stating that better cooperation is possible. In other words, people haven’t given up but they want to see change.

Why cooperation matters

So why do people care so much about governments working together?

The answers are practical rather than constitutional. Many believe cooperation ensures their nation’s voice is heard in UK-wide decisions. Others see it as essential for solving shared problems or influencing policies that affect everyone.

In short, this isn’t just about political process, it’s about outcomes.

The Bottom Line

The briefing sends a clear message: people in Scotland and Wales want governments to cooperate more and do it better.

There’s widespread frustration with how things currently work but also hope that improvement is possible. For voters, effective intergovernmental cooperation isn’t just a constitutional nicety. It’s something they believe can help solve real-world problems.

You can read the full briefing and watch our webinar which discussed on how to improve inter-governmental relations, the public’s policy priorities in Scotland & Wales, and what might happen in, and after, May’s elections here.