This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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First Minister meets London Mayor
17/01/2005
First Minister Jack McConnell and Mayor of London Ken Livingstone met in Edinburgh today to discuss matters of mutual interest, including devolution, crime, recycling and the London bid for the Olympics.
Afterwards Mr McConnell said:
"The Mayor and I had a very productive meeting. One of the most interesting things to emerge in post devolution Britain is the opportunity for regional and national devolved governments to work together.
"Scotland and London face many of the same challenges, and opportunities. Our priorities will include tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, so that our communities are safe, strong places to live and work. And we are both building a transport infrastructure fit for the 21st century.
"I also made clear Scotland's support for London's Olympic bid. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and everyone in the UK will benefit if London wins. While we will sometimes compete, Scotland and London can also benefit if we work together on promotions and events."
Mr Livingstone said:
"Devolved government, which is distinct from Whitehall, can provide solutions to shared challenges, such as fighting crime. We are rolling out new policing teams across the London boroughs, and already people are beginning to feel safer because there are more police on the beat.
"I am also grateful to Jack for his support for London 2012. He was one of the first to support our Olympic bid because he realised that it would benefit the whole country."