Launch of Devo-Plus

The question confronting Unionist parties as they begin to articulate their arguments against independence is how to present to the Scottish people a credible alternative, while continuing to remain as part of the United Kingdom.

The conceptual idea of “devo-max” put forward by the SNP, is still in its infancy. David Cameron, in his visit to Scotland two weeks ago, expressed a willingness to extend the powers of the Scottish Parliament but was unable to articulate what this actually meant. Sir Menzies Campbell is in the midst of leading a Liberal Democrat Commission on the issue, and civic groups have set up their own campaign on the future of Scotland. 

Today, another group entered the fray. Led by the former shadow finance spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, Jeremy Purvis, the “Devo-Plus” group has been formed to present an alternative to both independence and devo-max.

Essentially the plan would place responsibility for income tax, corporation tax and most welfare spending with Holyrood, while leaving pensions, VAT and national insurance with the UK Parliament. Scotland would be given the power to raise the money that it spends.

The proposals, which were formed in conjunction with Reform Scotland, have received cross party unionist support, with Alex Ferguson MSP of the Conservatives, Labour MSP Duncan McNeil, and former Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott putting their names to the plan.

Tactically the launch has given the Unionists the chance to take the initiative away from the SNP with regard to the extension of devolutionary powers to Scotland. Devo-Max is still an ill-defined concept, and the SNP has been so far unable to fully explain what it would entail. Now, with yet another alternative on the table, there will be pressure for them to respond and explain how their plans differ.

Of course, should the Scottish people vote Yes for Independence, all of this becomes academic and there is a danger, in framing the debate in terms of extending powers, that Unionist parties miss the bigger picture.

However, for today the ball is in the SNPs court, and they will have to present a full idea of what they mean by Devo-Max much sooner than they perhaps would have wished.

Tavish Scott Resigns

Tavish Scott’s resignation was all but inevitable. Not only was it a reflection of the crushing defeat the Lib Dems had had at the polls, but also an acknowledgement that he had failed to galvanise Lib Dem support in Scotland. Many in the Party feel that Tavish was handed an impossible task and should not have to fall on his sword, but if he had not done so, there would have been a real danger that the Party would have entirely placed the blame on Clegg. The truth is that the Party itself needs to look harder at how it connects with voters, particularly when it is in Government. Newly elected MSP, Willie Rennie, is already being touted as a natural successor. He, at least, has the ability to connect with local campaigners in a way that Tavish was unable to do. However, he is new to the Scottish Parliament and his fellow colleagues, McInnes, McArthur and Hume may equally believe they have the right skills to lead the Party. Whoever takes on the mantle, they’ve a mountain to climb to rebuild the Party’s reputation.

By Ross

Scottish Government Legislative Agenda 2010/11

Alex Salmond came to the Scottish Parliament’s chamber to deliver the SNP’s fourth programme for legislation since coming to power in 2007 in a typically bombastic fervour ahead of the new parliamentary session. Iain Gray was quick to quip in his response that this would be his last. Tough words but the Labour leader was equally up for an argument this afternoon as he clearly see residence at Bute House within his grasp.

The 2010/11 Legislative Agenda was delivered in the context of impending public sector cuts, potential new powers (and lack of an Independence Referendum) for Scotland and next year’s election. Annabel Goldie and Tavish Scott declared that while there was merit in each bill, it did not represent much of a vision for the SNP’s last months in power.

Despite this session being slightly shorter due to the election there will be 10 bills, including the Alcohol (Scotland) Bill from the last session.

The BUDGET BILL will be at heart of the overall legislative programme. The First Minister has promised to publish the draft Budget Bill within four weeks of the publication of the UK Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review. Despite calls to publish the draft bill sooner, Salmond argued that logic should determine that the Government “sees the books” before making final spending decisions. At the heart of the Budget will be decisions to “best protect frontline services” within the context of a falling budget. Within this the First Minister again promised to reduce class sizes, implement Curriculum for Excellence and fund major infrastructure projects.

There will be two bills to modernise Scotland’s housing sector. The LONG LEASES BILL will convert long lease properties into ownership and the PRIVATE TENANT HOUSING BILL will aim to tackle rouge landlords.

In terms of delivering a fairer Scotland, the Government will also introduce a NEW PUBLIC RECORDS BILL to improve accountability, strength and governance and introduce measures to uncover the historic abuse of children. The Government will also introduce a child poverty strategy in this parliamentary term. A DOUBLE JEOPARDY BILL will also be introduced, importantly opening up the possibility of a new trial into the World’s End murders. A FORCED MARRIAGE PROTECTION BILL will also be introduced, as well as a RESEVOIR SAFETY BILL to increase Scotland’s flood protection.

Salmond was also quick to defend the SNP’s record on health protection, referring to the ALCOHOL BILL and the recent decision to set a minimum price of 45p per unit. In order to streamline procedures regarding death certification a HEALTH, CERTIFICATION and DEATH BILL will be introduced. This rounds up the Government’s health agenda for this term.

The future of Scottish Water will also be debated this year. Plans will be spelt out in a SCOTTISH WATER BILL to give the organisation more powers to better manage Scotland’s water supply. Salmond was very clear that the Government intends to keep Scottish Water in public hands. In order to make Scotland Greener Salmond has promised to ensure that Scotland benefits from its expansion into renewables by ensuring that a national fund is established to ensure that Scottish communities benefit from its national resources, similar to the oil fund but in Scottish hands.

Lastly, Salmond paid tribute to  Jimmy Reid who once said: “Government by the people for the people becomes meaningless unless it includes major economic decision-making by the people for the people”. Salmond criticized the unionist parties for not allowing Scotland to decide on independence in a referendum to jeers from the opposition benches. In order to achieve this, the First Minister said that the first stage of devolution is over and Scotland now needs control of both sides of its balance sheet so that “we can set our own agenda”, independent of Westminster.

By Matt

Last Week in Scotland

Former Stirling MP, Lord Forsyth, has been added to the commission investigating Conservative failures in Scotland – prompting critics to complain further that the commission will fail to deliver the radical change needed. David Mundell, Scotland’s only Tory MP has told critics of the review committee to “put up or shut up”. In the aftermath of disappointing results in the General Election and with the next Scottish Parliament elections looming on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether the commission can provide a genuine boost to the Tory performance north of the border.

Against a backdrop of cuts announced down South by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander, which have serious implications for Scotland’s quangos, health boards and police forces in particular, FMQ’s covered some well worn themes. Iain Gray attacked the First Minister over the difficulties in introducing the Curriculum for Excellence reforms. Annabel Goldie raised the issue of Salduz v Turkey, the human rights case concerning the right of a person who is detained by the police to get legal advice. An interesting choice, because although undeniably worthy, is not the type of populist issue that will resonate with ordinary voters. Tavish Scott led on this issue of quango spending, particularly focusing on the £400k spent on corporate branded gifts, by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International.

However, the story that really seized the imagination amongst the political intelligentsia was the rather colourful remarks made by the Chair of the Public Petitions committee Frank McAveety MSP. Comments include: “There’s a very attractive girl in the second row. Dark and dusky.. she’s got that Filipino look you know.” McAveety was forced to apologise after he was caught on microphone making inappropriate and suggestive comments about a member of the public observing the committee. However, after it emerged that the girl in question was a Parliamentary intern of school age, he was forced resign to both as committee chair and as Scottish Labour spokesperson for sport.

By Kenny

Liberal Democrats: Scottish Manifesto Launch

The Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Tavish Scott and the party’s Scottish Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael were on hand today to launch the party’s Scottish manifesto.  The LibDems, are hoping to exploit the party’s surge in popularity following Nick Clegg’s debate performance and the increasing likelihood of their being a hung parliament. The party are targeting the seats of Edinburgh South, Aberdeen South and Edinburgh North & Leith.

Essentially the document is a rehash of the UK manifesto launched last week.  Central to the document is the theme of fairness.  The manifesto continually restates the party’s commitments to introduce a fair tax system, give a fair chance for every child, a fair economic future and to clean politics up.

In terms of Scotland there is a commitment to deliver the Calman recommendations and replace the Barnett Formula with a needs based calculation. The most striking pledge came from Tavish Scott who committed £400million, as part of a ‘green stimulus’, which would be ploughed into Scotland’s shipyards such as Leith, Nigg, Aberdeen and Campbeltown, to build offshore wind turbines and marine technology.

Riding high in the polls, the LibDems believe that the election could be a momentous turning point, where change is a real and viable option.  To do that the party emphasises the need for a clear and honest approach that ‘old parties’ will, and have, failed to deliver.  All eyes now turn to tomorrows second Prime Ministers Debate.