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SCOTTISH politicians have accused the Westminster government of selling Scotland short with its “imperfect” plan for more devolved powers.
Holyrood’s devolution committee unanimously rejected the government’s “enduring settlement” for Scotland yesterday.
The draft clauses for a new Scotland Bill will not be recommended for legislative consent by the Scottish Parliament in their current state, committee convener Bruce Crawford said.
The settlement was drafted by the previous Tory-led coalition government in response to the recommendations of the Smith Commission on Devolution. The commission was convened to deliver on the “vow” of more powers after the No vote in the independence referendum.
But Tory MSP Alex Johnstone described the draft as “imperfect” and Lib Dem MSP Tavish Scott has demanded the new Tory government “put the full intent of Smith into law.”
The committee has recommended a raft of improvements, including the removal of a perceived Westminster “veto” over Scottish benefits, a “triple lock” preventing Holyrood from being dissolved and the right of Scottish ministers to lead international UK negotiations in which Scotland has a predominant interest, such as fisheries.
