What is devo-max and what new devolution powers will Scotland have after the independence referendum results? September 19, 2014 Simply put, devolution means that the Scottish parliament gets more power. Currently, Scotland can make policy across a range of areas, including healthcare and education. This is why university is free in Scotland, even as tuition fees soar in England. Westminster rules the roost when in comes to some key areas: immigration, foreign policy, energy [...]
The devolution genie is out of the bottle – and London must not be forgotten September 18, 2014 WHEN the UK government ruled out devo-max on the Scottish referendum ballot, few decried it as the strategic mistake it later turned out to be. Forced into an unexpected corner by a surge in nationalist support, the leaders of the three main UK parties promised Scotland the earth, magically transforming the No box into a [...]
Devo max is a cheap last-gasp offer – but a federal UK may be the happy result September 10, 2014 WHATEVER the outcome of next week’s referendum on Scottish independence, of one thing we can be sure: the constitutional settlement that had helped make the Union such a success for 300 years will be tainted. This settlement had just about held together after devolution. However, many of us in the other Home Nations have been [...]
Westminster promises “major powers” to stave off Scottish independence: but what is devo max? September 9, 2014 The three main parties have promised to transfer “major powers” to Scotland the day after the referendum takes place if voters decide to stick with the union. By the end of January, a draft law will be ready to vote on by parliament, the Better Together campaign announced today. The campaign claimed: [...]
Will Westminster grant devo max powers to Scotland if it stays in the union? September 8, 2014 Chancellor George Osborne has promised further devolved power to Scotland if there is a No vote in the Scottish referendum. The government will announce a “plan of action” within days on how Scotland will be given further powers to run itself away from Westminster after a shock poll placed the Yes campaign in the lead [...]
Is Westminster going to grant Scotland devo max powers if it stays part of the union? September 8, 2014 In a last-ditch attempt to woo swing voters, George Osborne has hinted Westminster will offer Scotland greater powers over taxes and spending if those going to the polls next week vote to keep the union intact. Speaking on the morning it emerged the Yes campaign had edged ahead for the first time during the [...]