Further Devolution Talks "Constructive"

Talks on securing more powers for Scotland's parliament are being called 'positive and constructive'.

Talks on securing more powers for Scotland's parliament are said to have been "constructive".

The five main political parties are trying to agree on the exact details of further devolution for Holyrood.

The meeting covered a number of discussion points:

• A set of principles for the cross-party talks was discussed and agreed.

• A set of practical guidelines for cross-party talks were also discussed and agreed.

• Each of the political parties gave an overview of their proposals and what they see as the common themes in all the parties’ proposals.

• Public engagement was discussed and the political parties’ input was sought how to share non-party submissions.

• The first substantive discussion on new powers was held. The focus was on the parties’ constitutional proposals.

Lord Smith said he was "pleased" with the meeting.

He said: "We have good people round the table, each with their own deeply held views, who have committed to work together to achieve a positive outcome to this process.

“We had a constructive discussion and agreed some important principles, which will guide us towards an agreement on a package of substantial and cohesive new powers to strengthen the Scottish Parliament within the UK.”