Devolution - the next steps?

The Scottish Parliament belongs to the people of Scotland and not to the political parties. Any means of reviewing its powers must reflect that fact, says UNISON Scotland Secretary Matt Smith.

UNISON has always been to the forefront of the debate on Scotland's governance. We supported and campaigned for devolution over many years and were a major funder of the 'Yes/ Yes' campaign in 1997.

This supported both the establishment of a Scottish Parliament, and one that would have the power to raise, or lower the standard rate of income tax by a margin of 3 pence in the pound.

It is important therefore that we maintain our interest and involvement in this matter, particularly now that Scotland's main political parties have reengaged the debate.

For the Government in Scotland, the SNP has launched a 'National Conversation' on Scotland's constitutional future. This supports the creation of an independent Scotland and sets the scene for that debate. The Scottish Parliament on a joint initiative from the other parties - Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives - has decided to establish a Constitutional Commission to consider further the powers available to Holyrood.

This will involve the UK government because these matters are reserved under the Scotland Act.

UNISON has always been open to discuss further powers for the Scottish Parliament while maintaining its opposition to independence. So we should welcome the debate. But in doing so we need to make our position clear.

The last time there was a major debate there was established a Constitutional Convention. Trade unions along with many others in civic Scotland played a key role.

Political parties were involved though the Conservative Party steadfastly refused to take part; and the SNP only came on board during the latter stages of the Convention's work.

Civic Scotland took the lead and gave the Convention its great strength, credibility and ultimately its victory.

This time the proposed Constitutional Commission comes from the initiative of the opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament. They share one overwhelming policy and that is to maintain the unity of the United Kingdom.

UNISON agrees with that position but does not accept that the status quo is acceptable. If the three parties are offering a genuine opportunity to engage in a debate about the powers of the Scottish Parliament then UNISON will wish to engage in the process.

The debate needs to be about the opportunity for new powers and not merely a response to the Scottish Government's own discussion paper.

UNISON is already engaged in the debate about Scotland's future. We have made clear our desire to explore further the extension of powers and at last year's STUC we supported a call for such an enquiry.

As recently as December, the Scottish Council of UNISON agreed to support a proposal to give to the Scottish Parliament borrowing powers which have so far been denied.

The proposal to establish a Constitutional Commission needs to be taken seriously but our support should not be unconditional. It must be about opening the debate both on powers and on funding. Real engagement with civic Scotland is required.

Trade unions need to play a significant role. If and when we are satisfied that there is a desire to have a debate then we should become involved.

The Scottish Parliament belongs to the people of Scotland and not to the political parties. Any means of reviewing its powers must reflect that fact.

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