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
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