News & Updates

Devolution proposals for Scotland

Liam A Entwistle

Published byLiam A Entwistle

22nd January 2015

Devolution proposals for Scotland

The UK Government has today released its proposals on further devolution for Scotland, in a consultation in which they invite responses by 31 March 2015.

Contained in this document (which, by its name, sets out its stall - "Scotland in the United Kingdom: An Enduring Settlement), the proposals represent the UK Government's method of implementing the outcome of the Smith Commission on giving further devolved powers to the Scottish Parliament following the independence referendum in September 2014.

Responses are invited on proposals for constitutional matters, the fiscal framework, tax, welfare, transport and energy - all areas where further devolution is proposed.

Of course, there has been criticism of the proposals already - First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called the consultation document a “watering down” of what was promised by November’s Smith Commission.  But Prime Minister David Cameron (whose focus is also on "English Votes for English Laws") is clear that he considers he is delivering what Scotland voted for in September 2014:-

"Scotland spoke, we listened and now here we are delivering. I know it’s not fashionable; politician makes commitment, politician keeps commitment, but that is what is happening here today.”

We hope to be issuing a guide to the proposals shortly, to help inform our clients and contacts of what the changes might mean for you.  Look out for this shortly, and remember to have your say by 31 March 2015. Responses are to be sent to this address.

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