SINCE the declaration of the Vow on new powers for Holyrood, a degree of scepticism has surrounded how far it could go in meeting Scottish aspirations. Many believed the Smith Commission was a “Mission Impossible” that would struggle to achieve a coherent proposal within a unrealistically tight timetable. Others argued The Vow was a panic reaction by the pro-UK parties. And it was always destined to be criticised by the SNP for failing to satisfy demands for maximum devolution. Given all this, the progress so far has been considerable and impressive – even though, in terms of legislation, we are still on the southern slopes. Prime Minister David Cameron was able to declare in his meeting with Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Edinburgh yesterday that the much-questioned timetable of the Vow remains on track and that legislation has indeed been drafted before Burns Night – 25 January. The Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats have all pledged to ensure the new Scotland Bill becomes law, whoever wins the election.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 12:39:55 +0000
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