March 24, 2006
Nicol Stephen not to compromise with Labour
Following his article on the David Steel Commission, Hamish Macdonell reports that Nicol Stephen’s policies on local tax and (anti) nuclear power are diverging more and more from those of Labour.
“We would make it clear [in the 2007 election campaign] that we are absolutely determined to use the powers of the Scottish Parliament to prevent a new generation of nuclear power stations being built here… . I am absolutely committed to local income tax for councils replacing the council tax. We will fight very hard for that issue - this is one of the core issues we will be fighting the campaign on.” Nicol Stephen
news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=458162006
Posted by Simon Holledge at 10:34 AM | TrackBack
March 22, 2006
More on the David Steel Commission
Liberal-Democrat supporter DocVee, the writer of a smart Edinburgh (?) blog. picked up my 7 March posting about the David Steel Commission. Perhaps I might make a few points in response?
We can look at the Steel Commission’s list of recommended powers for Scotland, noting what is there and what isn’t. The detail is important. ‘Scottish national security’ is in. For the SNP this is good. In almost all federal countries this power is not devolved. Control over taxation and immigration are also in, although foreign policy, Europe, defence and the armed forces are off the list.
I believe the Liberal Democrats and the SNP could negotiate a common programme around these proposals - after the 2007 election. Much would depend on the actual election results.
Looking further ahead, a vigorous Scottish parliament in charge of its own finances might be in a position to claim control of foreign policy etc., but the Steel Commission is also asking for a written constitution for the UK which would presumably make changes more difficult. This would be less attractive to the SNP.
My own preference would be for a Nordic Council type of arrangement that included Ireland as well as Scotland, England and Wales as members, rather than a UK-based state.
www.doctorvee.co.uk/2006/03/07/steels-scotland
Posted by Simon Holledge at 11:53 PM | TrackBack
February 11, 2005
The SNP and the Lib-Dems
Looking at the excellent Alba Publishing website list of the new Scottish Westminster seats to be contested at the next general election, and their ‘notional’ results for 2001 based on the same borders, it is interesting to see that there are no SNP Vs. Liberal Democrat contests.
In other words, there are no seats where the first and second contenders are SNP and Liberal Democrat, or vice versa. The difference between the two is largely territorial.
Looking to 2007 and beyond, it may be worth speculating on the future orientation of the Liberal Democrats. Will they continue to prop up Labour? Would they support more devolution? Would they support holding a referendum on independence?
SNP strategists please note!