Govt Publish Paper On New Powers For Scotland

New powers for the Scottish Parliament have been published by the government.

In the paper, titled Scotland in the United Kingdom: An Enduring Settlement, David Cameron and Nick Clegg, write: "From the very beginning this Coalition Government has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring devolution works for our family of nations. The publication of these clauses represents the culmination of our devolution guarantees to the people of Scotland.

"In September more than two million people voted for Scotland to remain a part of our family of nations, strengthened by the security that comes from our larger United Kingdom. We all welcomed that decision. But we have also been clear that the Scottish people did not vote for the status quo. They voted for more decisions to be taken in Scotland, as part of a fair and enduring constitutional settlement across the UK. And that is what a new Scotland Bill will achieve in the next Parliament."

However, it is understood some SNP ministers have criticised the paper saying that coalition promises have been "significantly watered down".

The government paper is based on recommendations made by the Smith Commission, set up by the Prime Minister following the Scottish independence referendum held last year.

It is understood the paper will not be enacted until after after the national election in May.

The full paper can be read here (PDF).

(MH/CD)