NEW POWERS FOR SCOTLAND MUST NOT BE DELAYED

NEW POWERS FOR SCOTLAND MUST NOT BE DELAYED

IF WE HAVE AGREEMENT TODAY, THERE SHOULD BE A COMMITMENT TO “ACTION THIS DAY”

As the UK Government prepared to issue its formal response to the
recommendations of the Calman Commission, the SNP have called on Labour to
stop delaying Calman reforms and act immediately to transfer powers where
agreement exists across the political spectrum.

In June 2009, the SNP Scottish Government published draft legislative
orders to transfer responsibility to Holyrood from Westminster for the
control of air weapons, drink-drive and speeding limits, administration of
Scottish Parliament elections, and controlled substances in relation to
the treatment of addiction – as recommended by the Calman Commission
report.

Commenting, SNP Constitutional Affairs Spokesperson Pete Wishart MP said:

“There is absolutely nothing standing in the way of the UK Government
handing over powers where consensus exists in order to improve the
governance of Scotland.Indeed, Kenneth Calman himself said they could be
implemented ‘quickly and easily’ without fuss.

“If we have agreement today, the UK Government should commit to ‘action
this day’.

“The Scottish Government has made clear it is ready to legislate where
agreement exists. It is the UK Labour Government which is stalling
progress - even though these reforms were recommended by a convention of
the Unionist parties.

“Cutting the drink drive limit and handing over control of airguns would
save lives and improve safety. Why would anyone wait to take this kind of
necessary action?

“Holding these powers back because of splits within and among the Calman
parties would be utterly unacceptable.”