HUNDREDS of civil servants are to move to Glasgow under plans to create a new headquarters for the UK Government. 

The Cabinet Officer has confirmed it will open a second base in the city, which will be home to 500 within the next four years. 

Government figures say it will build on the presence of existing officials on the COP26 team and will include roles from a range of civil service functions.

READ MORE:  Glasgow to host new Cabinet Office headquarters in bid to 'strengthen presence in Scotland'

Michael Gove, the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: "The Cabinet Office’s new HQ in Glasgow will co-locate the engine room of the UK Government in Scotland, bringing decision makers closer to the communities they serve and ensuring closer collaboration between Scotland’s two governments as we tackle the Covid-19 pandemic together and work to build a sustainable recovery. 

“Not only will this bring new jobs and investment to Scotland, it will strengthen the diversity of the UK Civil Service, ending the Westminster knows best approach to policymaking and ensuring Scottish voices shape everything we do.

“The road to recovery from the pandemic will be tough, but with all four nations pulling together we can ensure we build back a stronger, fairer and greener United Kingdom.”

The UK Government has also unveiled plans to move an additional 500 roles to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire,

This will take the total number of jobs at its Scottish base to more than 1,500 by 2025.

Foreign secretary Dominic Raab said: “There can be no clearer demonstration of commitment to our joint HQ in East Kilbride than today’s announcement that an extra 500 Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office jobs are coming to Scotland.

"This will further ensure the Civil Service represents all parts of the UK and will be a boost to the Scottish Economy.

Glasgow Times: Dominic Raab Dominic Raab

“Staff at Abercrombie House are at the forefront of delivering the UK’s diplomatic clout, as we prepare to host the G7 and COP26, while supporting the delivery of our £10billion aid budget to continue helping the world’s poorest people.”

Glasgow is due to welcome leaders from around the globe for the United Nations COP26 climate change conference in November.