UNISON Scotland
Scotland's public service union
 

 

 

 

Siu Index
May/June 2008 No 73

Key role for Matt as UNISON maintains lead in devolution debate

UNISON's Scottish Secretary, Matt Smith, has been appointed to the Calman Commission on Scottish Devolution. The Commission was appointed by the Scottish Parliament, following a successful motion backed by the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties and subsequently supported by the UK Government.

Commenting on his appointment, Matt said "UNISON played a key role in the Constitutional Commission and in the YES/YES campaign. Trade unions have always been to the forefront of the movement to achieve devolution for Scotland.

"UNISON, at December's Scottish Council, agreed the need for a review of the current powers of the Scottish Parliament and in doing so called for the establishment of a broad consensus of the political parties and civic society"

The Terms of Reference of the commission are to review the provisions of the Scotland Act 1998 in the light of experience, and to recommend any changes to the present constitutional arrangements that would enable the Scottish Parliament to serve the people of Scotland better, improve the financial accountability of the Scottish Parliament and continue to secure the position of Scotland within the United Kingdom.

The Commission is composed of representatives of the three parties supporting the motion to the Scottish Parliament and a number of independent members representing different aspects of Scottish public life.

To date there has been one meeting, and a number of sub-groups have been established. The Commission will now write to interest groups across Scotland to seek their views. UNISON will be considering evidence. S

eparate from the Commission, the Scottish Government has established a "National Conversation" on devolution, in which UNISON has also participated through the STUC. Further details on the Commission can be found at www.commissiononscottishdevolution.org.uk

headlines . top