DAVID Cameron will today hail Scotland’s new devolution settlement as “built to last” as he unveils the legislation to make Holyrood “one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the world”. Mr Cameron will announce his government’s response to the Smith Commission on devolution, with draft legislation which he will say delivers on “the vow” of more powers made to Scotland ahead of last September’s No vote. In his first major intervention on Scotland’s constitution since the morning after the referendum vote, Mr Cameron will declare in a speech in Edinburgh that Scots have the “best of both worlds”. Mr Cameron will say: “When the people of Scotland voted to remain part of the United Kingdom, it wasn’t just about the future of devolution, it was because they valued the safety and security of being part of something bigger – our family of nations. “A strong, stable single currency delivering lower costs for families and businesses. A shared army, air force and navy keeping us safe in an increasingly dangerous world. “A large domestic market providing more job and investment opportunities. A resilient social union, sharing the costs of pensions and support for those who have fallen on hard times across our nations. “All within a healthy, strong economy – one of the fastest-growing economies in the developed world.” The UK government today unveils its draft legislation with clauses explaining how the recommendations of the commission chaired by Lord Smith of Kelvin – and agreed by the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, SNP and Greens – will be implemented. The paper will come under intense scrutiny from the SNP and Yes campaigners for signs that the UK government is failing to deliver on the Smith proposals. Mr Cameron will say he and other pro-UK parties defied the doubters and managed to bring about the legislation for significant powers ahead of schedule. scotsman/news/uk/scottish-devolution-built-to-last-cameron-1-3668686
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 10:00:01 +0000
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