Labour devolution report will not halt momentum for independence
The latest devolution report overseen by former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown offers no meaningful protection for Scotland, according to the Scottish Greens, who have said that it "will do nothing to halt the momentum for Scottish independence.
Scottish Greens co-leader, Patrick Harvie MSP said:
"After years of promises and vows on devolution, it is clear that Labour are just reheating the failed ideas of the past. What they are offering will do nothing to protect Scotland from hostile UK governments, and that’s why it won’t halt the momentum for Scottish independence.
"It is clear that Labour is more concerned with making sure real power stays in Westminster, regardless of how people in Scotland vote.
"The report does not live up to the urgency of the situation we are in or offer the bold and transformative change that is needed. The fact that it doesn't even include plans to finally change the undemocratic and unfair voting system that we use at Westminster election shows how uninspiring and limited it really is.
"There is nothing in it that would stop people in Scotland from having to endure the cuts, chaos and soaring inflation of this cruel and incompetent Tory government, or offer a defence against any future government that seeks to undermine the Scottish Parliament. Crucially it won’t let us rebuild our relationship with the EU to reverse the reckless Brexit that has raised prices, cost jobs and hammered small businesses.
"Gordon Brown is in no position to implement any of these changes and nor is the Labour Party. Even if they win the next UK election, it’s unclear how they would seek the consent of Scotland for their plans if they don’t have a majority here. If Keir Starmer's flip flopping on Brexit and free movement is anything to go by then there is no guarantee that he wouldn't drop the whole plan anyway, even if he is elected.
"With Scottish Greens in government we are leading the change and building a fairer, greener Scotland. Independence would allow us to go much further. It would allow us to halt the new oil & gas drilling, remove nuclear weapons from our waters and reform the energy market.
“With the powers of a normal independent country we could do so much more for people and the planet.”