McLeish warns of devolution promises let-down
FORMER Labour First Minister Henry McLeish says Scots must think “very carefully” about voting No in the referendum because promises of more powers may be not be delivered.
He warned that the “difficult” Westminster system may thwart the pledges of Labour, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats to hand greater devolution to the Scottish Parliament. Mr McLeish said: “It’s not a matter of trust or confidence.
“Westminster is very difficult. There’s another year before the election. Three parties are bidding up what they might do.
“None of them might be in power as a single entity, they might be in coalition.”
He added: “The uncertainty about the future means people must think very carefully when they’re voting No.” All three of the pro-Union parties have published a joint pledge to deliver more powers after the referendum,
A Scottish Conservative spokesman said: “Both the Prime Minister and Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson have made it abundantly clear that the key recommendations of the Strathclyde Commission, including devolution of income tax to the Scottish Parliament, will be included in our 2015 General Election manifesto.”
Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said: “The parties which delivered the Scottish Parliament and supported us in delivering the largest transfer of fiscal powers in 300 years in the Scotland Act 2012 are united in our Calton Hill commitment to deliver a stronger Scotland within the UK.”