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09/09/2014
Devolution Deal Offered For Scots 'No' Vote
A 'fast-track' deal is being offered to the people of Scotland by the three main UK political parties, should they decide to vote 'no' in the looming independence referendum.
The deal would ensure greater tax and welfare powers for Holyrood in the event that it remains part of the United Kingdom. It has been endorsed by David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband and could be agreed early next year.
The deal could see greater income tax powers returned to Scotland, along with a potential devolution of control over housing benefit, the work programme and other taxes.
The programme was unveiled yesterday evening by Gordon Brown, following a YouGov poll that put the 'yes' vote for independence ahead for the first time since the referendum was agreed. A poll on Sunday gave the 'yes' campaign a 51% lead, while the latest TNS poll put 'yes' at 38%, one point behind 'no' at 39%.
Scottish Trades Union Congress' Grahame Smith said the promise of more devolved powers in the event of a 'no' vote was a "political fix constructed in Westminster".
"The way the message was delivered it gave the impression that this was a political fix, constructed in Westminster without really consulting the people of Scotland and organisations and institutions like ourselves who have long been involved in this debate," he said.
Angus Robertson MP, the SNP's Westminster Leader, said: "Instead of a phoney timetable for far too few powers, Yes is a vote for a real timetable for the real powers of independence that Scotland needs to build a fairer society and more prosperous economy.
"Within the No camp's flimsy package there is no mention of any job creating powers, and no access to the finances we need to protect our NHS. Independence means we control 100 per cent of Scotland's finances - Gordon Brown's proposals would leave Westminster in control of 80% of Scotland's vast revenues."
(IT/JP)
The deal would ensure greater tax and welfare powers for Holyrood in the event that it remains part of the United Kingdom. It has been endorsed by David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband and could be agreed early next year.
The deal could see greater income tax powers returned to Scotland, along with a potential devolution of control over housing benefit, the work programme and other taxes.
The programme was unveiled yesterday evening by Gordon Brown, following a YouGov poll that put the 'yes' vote for independence ahead for the first time since the referendum was agreed. A poll on Sunday gave the 'yes' campaign a 51% lead, while the latest TNS poll put 'yes' at 38%, one point behind 'no' at 39%.
Scottish Trades Union Congress' Grahame Smith said the promise of more devolved powers in the event of a 'no' vote was a "political fix constructed in Westminster".
"The way the message was delivered it gave the impression that this was a political fix, constructed in Westminster without really consulting the people of Scotland and organisations and institutions like ourselves who have long been involved in this debate," he said.
Angus Robertson MP, the SNP's Westminster Leader, said: "Instead of a phoney timetable for far too few powers, Yes is a vote for a real timetable for the real powers of independence that Scotland needs to build a fairer society and more prosperous economy.
"Within the No camp's flimsy package there is no mention of any job creating powers, and no access to the finances we need to protect our NHS. Independence means we control 100 per cent of Scotland's finances - Gordon Brown's proposals would leave Westminster in control of 80% of Scotland's vast revenues."
(IT/JP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
