I am making this statement to bring to the House’s attention the following Machinery of Government change.

Responsibility for Union and devolution policy across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will move from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to the Cabinet Office. This change will support cross-government coordination and engagement with the devolved governments which will be led by the Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster as Minister for Intergovernmental Relations. Responsibility for devolution policy in England and engagement with Mayors and local government will remain with the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

This change is effective immediately.