Cornish Social & Economic Research Group
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_______________________________________________What now for Scottish Devolution?
21 June 2009
On Monday 15th June, the Calman Commission produced its long awaited report on the future of Scottish devolution. The Commission was established by the three unionist parties in the Scottish Parliament, in opposition to the SNP Government's National Conversation on independence. The full report and summary can be found on the Commission's website, as can the evidence base upon which the Commission based its final report. These include:
The Chair of the Commission, Sir Kenneth Calman states '…. we have now agreed - unanimously - a Final Report. It contains 63 recommendations covering all the main areas of our remit - recommendations to improve the financial accountability of the Scottish Parliament, to improve the distribution of powers and functions, to improve joint working between the Parliaments and Governments and encourage cooperation on shared interests, and to strengthen the operation of the Parliament itself. Taken together, we believe these recommendations will enable devolution to serve the people of Scotland better, while also consolidating Scotland's important place within the United Kingdom.'
Choosing Scotland's Future
The Scottish Government believes that an independent, sovereign Scotland is the best option for the country's future and that the people should be invited to support that option through a referendum. The Government also recognises that there are a range of views on Scotland's constitutional future other than independence and that these are represented in the Scottish Parliament.
However, the elections of May 2007 showed clear support across Scotland to move the country's constitution forward. For this reason, the Government is initiating a wide-ranging National Conversation that will allow the people of Scotland to make an informed decision on their future.
The devolution settlement of 1999, which transferred some areas of responsibilities from Westminster and reserved others, explicitly recognised that the powers of the Scottish Parliament and Government could change and evolve. The nature of the United Kingdom constitution is changing with historic developments in Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK Government has published proposals to develop further the governance of the UK.
This can be all part of the National Conversation which is intended to provide a platform for debate on Scotland's future based on the understanding that sovereignty lies with the people, and it is the people of Scotland alone who have the right to decide how they are governed.The Government suggests that there are three principal choices to be considered in the National Conversation: Continuing with the current constitutional settlement with no or minimal change. Extending devolved power in Scotland in areas identified during the National Conversation. Taking the steps to allow Scotland to become a fully independent country. The National Conversation about Scotland's future is now under way. The people of Scotland are invited to join in - it will be up to them to make the final decision.
CoSERG Comment
Both the Calman Commission and the Scottish Governments White Paper provide some clear and different visions of the future of Scotland. Debate and discussion will continue. Recent economic events have for some commentators indicated that small nations are better off either within larger states or structures such as the European Union. Conversely, it could be argued that if small (or large) states such as Ireland pursue inappropriate economic policies then there will be a negative impact upon their economy. It is not simply a question of a nation having the tools to influence policy, it is whether those tools are used in an appropriate fashion. Whatever, the outcome of the various consultation processes, it is likely that change will occur. In the words of Ron Davies, former Secretary of State for Wales, devolution is a process not an event.
For More...
www.commissiononscottishdevolution.org.uk
www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/a-national-conversation/White-Paper
Full text of First Minister's launch speech
_______________________________________________More new council housing 'vital',
BBC Scotland News, 18 April 2008
Scots Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is to unveil a multi-million pound boost for council housing. She will tell the SNP spring conference in Edinburgh a new generation of council houses is vital to tackling the growing problem of homelessness. The conference will come as the SNP prepares to celebrate its first year of government in Scotland.
In her keynote speech to the conference Ms Sturgeon, the SNP's deputy leader, will identify homelessness - up by 50% in the last 10 years - as a target for urgent action.
Ms Sturgeon is also expected to announce that, having already removed a disincentive to council house building - ending the right to buy on new build properties - there will also be a multi-million pound grant to councils which build new homes.
News source.... BBC News