A little less confrontation, a little more co-operation please: new polling and research on attitudes towards UK intergovernmental relations

This guest blog by Dewi Knight for SPICe, the The Scottish Parliament’s brilliant research & information centre explores new polling and research on public attitudes towards intergovernmental relations across the UK, highlighting growing support for greater cooperation between governments.

Drawing on research conducted by PolicyWISE and More in Common, the blog finds that people in Scotland and Wales are increasingly frustrated by political confrontation between the Scottish and UK Governments, and instead want to see more constructive and practical joint working. Only around a quarter of respondents felt the two governments currently work well together, yet large majorities supported closer collaboration on issues that directly affect everyday life.

The polling showed particularly strong support for cooperation on areas such as the NHS, the cost of living, economic growth, energy, immigration, and tackling violence against women and girls. Respondents also believed governments should work together regardless of whether responsibilities are devolved or reserved, suggesting the public is more interested in outcomes than constitutional boundaries.

The blog argues that these findings point towards the need for a more collaborative model of governance across the UK. Drawing on examples from countries such as Australia and Canada, it highlights how stronger intergovernmental structures could support better policy learning, joint problem-solving and improved public services.

Ultimately, the research suggests the public may now be ahead of political leaders in recognising the value of partnership working and effective cooperation between governments.

Read the full guest blog by Dewi Knight here: SPICe Spotlight guest blog