FURTHER DEVOLUTION TO SCOTLAND: WHAT SHOULD

THE SMITH COMMISSION RECOMMEND?

The people have voted and Scotland remains in the United Kingdom, but the constitutional debate over Scotland’s place in the union remains a live issue. We have moved rapidly into a new phase of constitutional politics. Before the referendum, the leaders of the three largest pro-union parties pledged to give extensive new powers to the Scottish Parliament. The appointment of Lord Smith’s Commission is the first step in that process.

This seminar will, therefore, explore some of the key issues arising from further devolution, including the powers that might be devolved, how devolved government is financed, the process for achieving further devolution and the wider constitutional and political implications of this process.

Speakers and topics

Which further functions should be devolved? Professor Nicola McEwen, University of Edinburgh

Financing further devolution: taxation, spending Professor David Bell, University of Stirling

and borrowing

Constitutional and Legal considerations Professor Alan Page, University of Dundee

The process for achieving further devolution:

a comparative perspective Silvia Suteu, University of Edinburgh