The Cabinet Office is set to relocate 500 civil service jobs to Glasgow in a move designed to improve the department's links with Scotland. By placing decision-makers closer to the people they serve, the government hopes to bring opportunities and investment to the area. In a letter to civil servants, Permanent Secretary Alex Chisholm wrote: 'As a department with a key responsibility for the union, it is particularly appropriate that we strengthen our presence and commitment in Scotland.'
The change is part of a broader decentralisation program that will see thousands of key government workers relocating to different areas of the UK. The Treasury will move 750 staff to Darlington. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton will host a new housing department headquarters.
Many of the UK's social, political and economic issues stem from the imbalance of wealth and power between London and the rest of the country. The Prime Minister has repeatedly stressed he wants to 'level up' all parts of the UK. Last month he announced a £4.8 billion fund to be distributed across every region and nation, helping to boost economic development and pandemic recovery.
Bringing Whitehall jobs to Glasgow will strengthen the bonds of the union and reinforce ties between two of the UK's largest urban centres. As one of the most diverse capitals in the world, London has much to offer. Many members of Glasgow's BAME community have religious, cultural and familial links with the city. Those who do will relish the prospect of improved transport routes and business connections that could follow on from the government's move.
Instead of welcoming the decision, the SNP have viciously attacked it. Any move towards unity is a threat to their divisive xenophobic agenda. In stark contrast, the Scottish Conservatives reaffirmed a positive case for the union at their annual party conference. During her keynote speech, Ruth Davidson optimistically declared that Scotland had 'passed peak Nat’. She called on unionist voters from across the spectrum to join forces and prevent the SNP from gaining a majority in May's election.
In the end, voters will decide whether to embrace division or unity. The UK government has demonstrated that it is serious about not only defending the union but also ensuring that it works for everyone. Dispersing senior government officials across the UK represents a more profound social change that no amount of money could buy.