Scotland can have 'best of both worlds' with devolution, new report says

Scottish secretary Ian Murray has said Scotland can ‘have the best of both worlds’ with devolution.

On Tuesday, a new report from Murray emphasised that Scotland benefits from the “strong Scottish Parliament” with powers over tax, social security and public services, which is backed up by the security and strength of being part of the United Kingdom.

“Since last year’s election, the Scotland Office has set out to reset the relationship between Scotland’s two governments, as part of our Plan for Change,” Murray said.

“We are committed to making devolution work and working with the Scottish Government to deliver for people in Scotland – on growing the economy, becoming a green energy superpower and tackling poverty.”

It’s from the ninth annual UK Parliamentary report about the implementation of the Scotland Act 2016.

Murray will lay the report before the UK Parliament on Tuesday.

He’s expected to state that working collaboratively with the Scottish Government is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change.

“Over the past year, the UK and Scottish Governments have worked collaboratively to harness these powers effectively,” Murray said.

“But our focus extends beyond the implementation of statutory instruments. It is essential that the powers conferred by the Scotland Act 2016 translate into tangible benefits for the people of Scotland.”

Since July 2004, the Scotland Office at Westminster has enacted ten Scotland Act Orders – unlocking new devolved responsibilities in welfare, facilitating the Scottish Government’s legislation on pardoning miners, and ensuring the introduction of a new building safety levy.

Angus Robertson, the Scottish Government’s cabinet secretary for constitution, external affairs and culture said: “Independence is the only realistic way to renew Scotland’s democratic institutions, respect the voice of the people of Scotland, and secure Scotland’s democratic future.

“While we are working constructively with the UK Government on areas of common ground such as eradicating child poverty and accelerating the transition to net zero, this Scottish Government believes that decisions about Scotland are best made by the people who live in Scotland through our own, independent parliament.

“The current devolution settlement is too limited to enable Scotland to fully address the challenges of the future.

“We continue to highlight our concerns in relation to how effectively other areas of intergovernmental relations are working.

“For example, the UK Government’s ongoing statutory review of the Internal Market Act which failed to include an option to repeal the legislation and the deeply disrespectful lack of consultation on yesterday’s EU and UK deal.

“That agreement, announced with no prior engagement, will have a profoundly damaging impact on Scotland’s fishing sector, which is a devolved responsibility.”