Scotland clearly an afterthought for Burnham devolution plans
Responding to Andy Burnham’s devolution speech, the Scottish Greens’ local government spokesperson, Kristopher Leask MSP, said:
“This speech was big on rhetoric but short on policy, leaving people in Scotland with more questions than answers.
“Burnham is right that the UK is far too centralised, but this was clearly a speech aimed at the English regions, with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland treated as an afterthought.
“Which powers does he believe should be devolved—and, more importantly, which does he think Scotland should still be denied?
“On energy, employment and workers' rights, there is a clear case for decisions to be made here in Scotland, yet he offered no meaningful detail.
“It is 12 years since Gordon Brown promised devo-max, but Labour's record since has been one of broken promises, undermining devolution and fighting Holyrood.
“Scotland's councils desperately need more funding. Any increase for English local authorities must be matched with greater support for Scotland after years of Westminster cuts.
“One of the biggest and most immediate tests will come in how he responds to our pro-independence Scottish Parliament calling for the power to hold the referendum that Scotland just voted for.
“If Labour wants to distribute power but refuses to trust the people of Scotland with a choice over its future, then its commitment to devolution rings hollow.”