To the cynics, the Calman Commission was always an attempt by Labour to show that it was taking seriously the desire within Scotland for independence/ greater freedom. But will ministers do anything with the Calman report, published nearly a year ago?
The commission made some big suggestions; they included 1] the ability of Holyrood to borrow in private markets; 2] to give Scotland greater powers over income tax and a lower grant from London 3] let Edinburgh legislate to ban airguns and tighten the drink-driving laws.
We will find out tomorrow whether Jim Murphy, Scotland secretary, will instigate any of these suggestions. He is making a statement at 12.30pm.
The suspicion within the Scottish National party is that Calman will be accepted but – in effect – kicked into the long grass, possibly beyond the general election.
David Cameron has already ruled out the first suggestion (giving Holyrood borrowing powers). The SNP meanwhile hate the Calman proposal on income tax as it currently stands. This is one package which looks destined to unravel.
Meanwhile Calman itself did not directly address the bigger question of the Barnett formula, under which the Scots – per capita – receive more funding than other Britons. How would a Conservative government address that issue? Scrap the formula and cut Scottish MPs’ voting rights on English issues?
It would be tempting for a Cameron government, given that his party – which only has one Scottish MP at present – would be lucky to control five constituencies north of the border after the general election. As such he has little to lose.
UPDATE ON WEDNESDAY
As expected, Jim Murphy confirmed that Holyrood would be given greater powers to borrow with the acceptance of most of the Calman recommendations. But the bill would be in the “next Parliament”.
His Tory counterpart made clear that a Conservative government would not keep this policy. Instead, it would have its own Scotland white paper. I can hear the rustle of long grass……
Jim Pickard
Kiran Stacey
