UK and Scottish governments agree deadline for fiscal rules deal in Scotland Bill
The Scottish and UK government’s have agreed on a date for a final deal on fiscal rules for the Scotland Bill to be in place.
Following a meeting between Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and David Cameron at Number 10 Downing Street today, the two government’s also agreed on strengthening security ties to tackle the threat of “Daesh-inspired” terrorism.
New tax powers for Scotland as recommended by the Smith Commission in the wake of the independence referendum, are laid out in the Scotland Bill which is now being debated at Westminster.
The recommendations are intended to deliver more financial, welfare and taxation powers to the Scottish government.
Both governments must first agree the financial framework that will underpin the new powers, and that was discussed by the two leaders today.
The First Minister said it was important to conclude a deal in time for the Bill to pass into law before the Scottish elections in May, but she would not sign up to a deal that was “unfair” to Scotland.
“Getting this agreement right is vital to ensure that Scotland isn’t worse off by hundreds of millions of pounds a year simply as a result of the transfer of powers that have been promised.
“We were both able to agree that the financial deal that goes alongside the extra powers transferring to Scotland must be fair for everyone involved and that both governments want to secure a deal by February to allow the Scotland Bill to move forward.”
Some agreement was also reached regarding security.
The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre in London will increase the number of reports it shares with the Scottish Government, and the First Minister will receive more frequent security briefings.
The UK Government is seeking support for the Investigatory Powers Bill which it says will enable police and intelligence agencies to better protect the country from terrorist acts.
Scotland Office Minister Lord Dunlop said: “The UK Government is absolutely committed to working together with the governments of our devolved nations on security and counter-terrorism matters, and today’s discussions reflected that.
“What we need to see now is wide support for our legislative efforts to allow the police and security services to keep the UK safe in the 21st century.
The First Minister said: “We are aware of the challenges we face and we have said consistently that we support law enforcement agencies and the security and intelligence agencies in having the powers they require in order to keep our communities safe.
“However, we take people’s civil liberties extremely seriously too and we need to make sure that these powers should only be used when it is necessary and proportionate to do so.”
Also discussed was the Trade Union Bill, which if passed will bring in a threshold for strike ballots, new measures on picketing and will allow companies to hire agency staff to cover for strikers.
Nicola Sturgeon raised objections to the bill during the meeting.
She said: “There is widespread opposition from across Scottish society and the Scottish Parliament to the Trade Union Bill, and it is essential that the Prime Minister understands that.
“Unfortunately the Prime Minister does not share my concerns. However, we will continue to work to find ways to prevent this damaging legislation coming into force north of the border.” (itv news)
