Interministerial Standing Committee Meeting Communiqué: 27 February 2025
Updated 11 April 2025
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The Interministerial Standing Committee (IMSC) met for the eighth time on 27 February 2025 via video conference. The meeting was co-chaired by the Northern Ireland Executive First Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA.
The other attending ministers were:
From the UK Government: Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for Intergovernmental Relations, the Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP; Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon Ian Murray MP; and Cabinet Office Parliamentary Secretary, Georgia Gould MP.
From the Scottish Government: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes MSP.
From the Welsh Government: Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies MS.
The Committee opened by considering the minute of the previous meeting.
Committee members provided updates on current issues. Ministers discussed the ongoing review of the UK Internal Market Act; the Sewel Convention and UK legislation; the need for the UK and devolved governments to work together to safeguard assets of national importance, such as in Grangemouth; and to remain engaged on the potential impact of global developments on the economy.
The Committee then received an update on the use of technology in public sector reform from the Cabinet Office Parliamentary Secretary. Ministers discussed shared opportunities and priorities for joint working.
Ministers agreed plans to update understanding of current activity of Interministerial Groups, with a view to ensuring that inter-ministerial engagement operates efficiently and effectively within appropriate structures.
The IMSC will meet again in May 2025. The Scottish Government is scheduled to chair.