Devolution

'Proposals for devolution of power to Scotland have been part of the Labour tradition for over 100 years. ' An own goal from the British Labour Party www server.

Devolution

New Politics

The last Labour government legislated to introduce devolution and, although the Scottish people supported the proposals in a referendum, the majority did not meet the test written into the Bill by its opponents. Labour has held firm to the principle of devolution. It is clear that the existing system of government simply does not recognise the wish of the Scots for a greater say in their own affairs. The conviction that reform is necessary has been greatly strengthened by the widespread support for the work of the Scottish Constitutional Convention.

In Wales there is a proud cultural tradition and a desire for greater self government. There is a need to bring more direct democracy to Wales and make the machinery of government more accountable.

We have promised to legislate for devolution in Scotland and Wales in the first year. In Scotland we will create a parliament with law-making powers firmly based on the agreement reached in the Scottish Constitutional Convention. This will mean extending democratic control over the wide responsibilities currently exercised by the Scottish Office. The Welsh assembly will provide democratic oversight of the existing Welsh Office functions, will have secondary legislative powers and will be specifically empowered to reform and democratise the quango state.

This is a reform of the structure of government in the UK, retaining the essential links between Scotland, Wales and the rest of the UK. The aim is to strengthen our system of government and to reject narrow nationalism. The Westminster Parliament remains sovereign but will pass power to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh assembly as part of our drive for a wider democracy.

We will provide the opportunity for the people of Scotland to endorse our plans prior to the passage of the legislation through Parliament. There will be a White Paper setting out our plans in Scotland and its popular endorsement will strengthen the legitimacy of the new settlement and speed its passage through both houses of Parliament. We will also seek the people's approval for giving the Scottish Parliament defined financial powers to vary revenue.

With such consent obtained, there can be no justified reason for obstructing the legislation.