Critics Attack Devolution 'Command Paper'

Campaigners are branding the government's 'command paper' on devolution a lost opportunity.

The STUC has warned that its proposals don't match the intentions of Lord Smith's recommendations.

Scottish Trades Union Congress General Secretary Grahame Smith said

"Despite being represented on the Scotland Office Stakeholder Group to consult on the draft clauses, the STUC was not given sight the final details. 

"STUC will now analyse this paper in some detail, however it is already clear that in key areas such as welfare and capital borrowing, the recommendations will not match the intentions of the Smith Commission proposals. 
 
"It is unacceptable that the Scottish Parliament should require Westminster approval to create new benefit entitlements in Scotland.  The current proposals will also seriously hamper the ability of the Scottish Parliament to make different fiscal choices by tying Scotland to UK deficit reduction targets.

"Given that the STUC was underwhelmed by totality of the Smith Commission proposals, this further watering down of the promise that was made to voters in Scotland is unacceptable. The UK Government will present today's publication as significant progress, but the truth is that we are not even at the end of the beginning of progress to meaningful additional devolution.

"It is now vital that the fullest possible public consultation is conducted, including a citizen-led process.  It is also a matter of particular importance that the Scottish Labour Party looks very carefully at these clauses and takes a clear view on whether they meet its aspirations and the spirit of the Smith Commission proposals."

According to the Poverty Alliance the plans are "very disappointing' and the Campaign for Scottish Home Rule says they won't deliver that.

Here's Chairman Ben Thomson: