This Is The News!

"On 18 September 2014 Scotland voted in a historic referendum which generated a level of political debate and engagement never before experienced in this country.

Scotland voted ‘No’, but it did so with each of the three main UK parties promising more powers for the Scottish Parliament.

I was asked to lead a Commission, working with the five parties represented in the Scottish Parliament, to agree what those new powers should be. In doing so, I sought to give a voice to the public and the various organisations that make up the fabric of Scottish life.

I took on the job in the knowledge that the three leaders of the main UK parties had committed to take the recommendations set out in the agreement and turn them into law – fulfilling their commitment to strengthen the powers of the Scottish Parliament within the UK.

This report sets out the agreement reached between all five of Scotland’s main political parties: Conservative, Green, Labour, Liberal Democrat and the SNP.

This agreement is, in itself, an unprecedented achievement. It demanded compromise from all of the parties. In some cases that meant moving to devolve greater powers than they had previously committed to, while for other parties it meant accepting the outcome would fall short of their ultimate ambitions. It shows that, however difficult, our political leaders can come together, work together, and reach agreement with one another.

Taken together, these new powers will deliver three important overarching improvements to the devolution settlement, making it more responsive, durable and stable."

With that preface, The Smith Commission set out its recommendations on more devolved powers to the Scottish Parliament in the wake of the Scottish Referendum. The report itself was launched with muted fanfare at a press conference this morning in the National Museum of Scotland's Grand Gallery - with journalists, politicians and television cameras galore.