15 December 2015

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met with Prime Minister David Cameron at Downing Street.

At the meeting the First Minister agreed that a final deal on the fiscal framework accompanying the Scotland Bill has to be in place by February.

LATEST: Nicola Sturgeon arrives at Number 10 for talks on costs of devolved powers https://t.co/ShrDLX6Zm0 pic.twitter.com/VWwsTSDXpK

— BBC Scotland News (@BBCScotlandNews) December 14, 2015

The fiscal framework is crucial to determining Scotland’s budget once new tax powers are devolved.

The First Minister also used the meeting to raise the issue of the strong opposition in Scotland to the Trade Union Bill with the Prime Minister.

First Minister will set out Scotland's "clear opposition" to the Trade Union Bill when she meets the Prime Minister. https://t.co/ld3ec9cu9P

— STV News (@STVNews) December 14, 2015

The discussion also covered on-going security matters.

PM met @NicolaSturgeon today to discuss security matters and Scotland's fiscal framework: https://t.co/uCfTwW4mEE pic.twitter.com/IB0WUb7vdf

— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) December 14, 2015

Following the meeting, the First Minister said:

I have made clear to the Prime Minister that I want to conclude a deal on the fiscal framework in time for the Scotland Bill to pass into law before the Scottish elections, however, I will not sign up to a deal that is unfair to Scotland.

“Getting this agreement right is vital to ensure that Scotland isn’t worse off by hundreds of millions of pounds a year simply as a result of the transfer of powers that have been promised.

On the Trade Union Bill the First Minister said:

There is widespread opposition from across Scottish society and the Scottish Parliament to the Trade Union Bill and it is essential that the Prime Minister understands that.

“Unfortunately the Prime Minister does not share my concerns. However, we will continue to work to find ways to prevent this damaging legislation coming into force north of the border.”