Still time to submit views to the Smith Commission. Apparently about 6,000 contributions so far. Heres how to do it::https://smith-commission.scot/have-your-say/ And heres my submission: I would like to have my say on future powers for the Scottish Parliament. I think it’s vital that following on from one of the most amazing periods of democratic and impassioned political debate and activity in our history, concerned citizens like myself don’t just fade away into the background and leave it up to politicians to get back to business as usual. Our referendum campaign was the envy of people all over the world. We now have what we once thought was no longer possible in the modern age – a culture of mass political engagement. I hope that culture can sustain, nourish, challenge and hold to account a politics of hope, of real alternatives, of vision and commitment which Westminster could only dream of. To ensure this not only continues but flourishes, we need as many powers as possible transferred to Scotland. And not just powers to implement decisions taken elsewhere – a mere devolution of the ‘axe’ - but powers that are worthy of the name. We need the ability to choose between alternative priorities, to make mistakes, to take risks, to deal with the ‘wicked issues’ that are too often simply ignored by Westminster, to get rid of unpopular governments and replace them with ones that will listen to people. As the referendum showed, when there are real decisions at stake, people will take part. If we want that participation to continue, people will have to be able to make real choices again and again and as a matter of course. I’m concerned that unionist politicians – and you may discern that I’m not a fan – may want to back away from what they called solemn vows made to the people of Scotland, promising ‘devo max’, something ‘as near to federalism as possible’ and indeed that ‘all things are possible’. These pledges shored up a failing campaign in its last few days and helped them across the finish line. They therefore need to be delivered on. Along with the clear majority of people in Scotland (according to a range of recent opinion polls), I would like to see all important decisions on tax and welfare devolved to Scotland. I think this is the only way we can move away from a benefit system that, egged on by tabloid newspapers and far right politicians, is becoming increasingly punitive to the most vulnerable people in society. I also think it is the only way that we can move towards a more progressive – and more rigorously enforced, including for the very rich and corporations - taxation system which might enable us to support some of the alternative priorities and visions referred to above. The ‘debate about the debates’ i.e. the controversy about who will be included and excluded in next year’s UK general election set piece confrontations, as well as the highly politicised role of the media in the referendum campaign itself, points to the need for broadcasting to be devolved. This is not so that politicians can control editorial policy but so that broadcasters can engage with, nurture and sustain a vibrant culture rather that treat it with arrogance, complacency and disdain. I think the default position should be to have political power as close to people and communities as possible. The lesson of the referendum campaign is that people will engage if they have choices and if they have real issues to engage with. The Smith Commission should do all it can to make this a reality.
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 19:37:50 +0000
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