Even if it’s a No vote, the fall out will be very complicated

The most startling development over the past few days has not only been the narrowing of the polls but the consequential commitment of the three UK party leaders to Gordon Brown’s accelerated timetable for agreeing more devolution. Whether or not it convinces voters, this promise will have far-reaching effects not just for Scotland but also for the rest of the UK. The Brown plan envisages the setting out of options by the end of October, a month-long consultation before a White Paper on a plan by the end of November, and draft legislation in January.

Leaving aside all the practical difficulties of meeting that timetable, there is no agreement on what ‘devo more’ might mean. The Tories have suggested that Scotland would be able to set its own income tax bands and rates, and receive all income tax revenues, while the Scottish Government would receive a share of VAT raised north of the border.