DAVID Cameron was told yesterday the process of granting more powers to Holyrood was “not over” with the passage of the Scotland Bill through the House of Commons.
In a passionate speech SNP MP Tommy Sheppard said the legislation did not satisfy the demands of Scots for more control over their affairs and did not meet either the recommendations of the Smith Commission or the promises made in The Vow drawn up by the leaders of the Unionist parties in the final days of the independence referendum campaign.
He told MPs the fight for more powers was the key pledge in his party’s campaign in the May General Election, which left Scotland with just three pro-Union MPs.
“We sought a mandate and we got a mandate and whatever happens here today please understand that this Bill does not satisfy the aspirations of the Scottish people for greater control over their own affairs,” he said.
“This Bill is the response to the Smith Commission. We are still waiting for what the Government’s response to the general election when the people of Scotland made their view quite clear. And whatever happens today this isn’t over.
“We will be coming back within the next five years to this chamber to argue again for more powers for the Scottish people and to satisfy the aspirations of the Scottish people and if that takes another Scotland Bill at some stage later on so be it.”
Before the main debate began, SNP frontbencher Pete Wishart condemned the UK Government’s handling of the Bill, which was allocated just six hours for debate, and was attended by few non-Scottish MPs.
He said: “We are profoundly disappointed with the time available to discuss very significant and important issues, amendments, for the Scotland Bill – a critical piece of legislation for our nation.
“How could this possibly be allowed that we have such little time?” he asked.
“Scotland is watching these proceedings and it will just not understand the gross disrespect shown to our nation... it will feel like Scotland has been given an almighty slap in the face and told to just get on with it.”
During the debate Angus Robertson, the SNP leader at Westminster, said his party would push for control over tax credits, currently earmarked for highly controversial cuts by the Conservative Government, and also for the Scottish Parliament to be the sole decision maker over when to hold another independence referendum.
He also said control over employment rights and industrial relations should also be handed to Scotland.
Opening the debate, Scottish Secretary David Mundell insisted the Government had listened to arguments and concerns about the legislation before bringing forward the changes.
He said: “The Government’s amendments will strengthen the Scotland Bill’s provisions and clarify its delivery of the Smith Commission agreement. With that done, it will be time for Scotland’s political parties to work together to make the new powers a success for everyone in Scotland.
“The amendments put beyond doubt the Bill fully delivers the Smith Commission agreement.”
Among the Government’s proposed changes are new constitutional language and new or revised powers on taxes and welfare.
In later amendments, ministers will add powers over abortion law to the Bill.
Mundell said: “It’s a bit rich both to be criticised both for taking no amendments (at committee) and then in the same breath for lodging too many amendments. We took the committee process seriously, we took the contribution by the devolved powers committee in the Scottish Parliament very seriously, and that has determined our thinking in lodging these amendments.
“The House will not be surprised the Government still considers full fiscal autonomy is not in the interests of the people of Scotland.
“I believe Scotland’s parties, rather than re-running the referendum, need to work together to understand how the powers in the Bill will be used for the benefit of the people of Scotland.
“The UK Government is honouring its commitment in the Edinburgh Agreement, accepting the result of the referendum and moving forward to give the Scottish Parliament significant new powers within our United Kingdom.”
The Scotland Bill proposes handing new powers from Westminster to Holyrood, with the promise of more control over taxation, VAT revenues and welfare spending.
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