Scottish Secretary welcomed the
significant landmark which means Holyrood can now
legislate in every area where the Scotland Act 2016 has
given it power to do so – reinforcing its standing as
one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the
world.
The Act delivered the recommendation of the cross-party
Smith Commission, which was established following the
2014 Scottish independence referendum. Significant
powers already devolved to the Scottish Parliament
include £12 billion worth of income tax and £2.9
billion worth of welfare.
The Scottish Secretary said:
In the 2014 independence referendum Scotland voted
decisively to remain in the UK and the UK Government
has respected that decision by honouring our
commitment to deliver further powers for the Scottish
Parliament on the reccomendations of the Smith
Commission.
As a passionate supporter of devolution I was proud
to lead the Scotland Act 2016 through the UK
Parliament to Royal Assent. It is a truly significant
milestone that all sections of the Act are now in
force, reinforcing Holyrood’s position as one of the
most powerful devolved parliaments in the world.
More than 20 years on from the first Scotland Act
gaining Royal Assent in 1998, devolution is working
well. So I urge the Scottish Government to take the
threat of another, divisive, independence referendum
off the table and work with us in exercising their
extensive powers for the good of Scotland.
Section 27 of the Scotland Act 2016 devolves
legislative competence to the Scottish Parliament for
Welfare Foods schemes. The UK and Scottish Governments
are working together to agree on a timescale for the
transfer of powers relating to these schemes.
