The phrase ‘Britain will never be the same again’ is overused. But today its use is justified. The Smith Commission proposals on further devolution for Scotland are a huge step towards a federal United Kingdom. All income tax, with the exception of the personal allowance, will be devolved to Scotland—so north of the border there could be different bands and rates.
With more devolution to Scotland, the West Lothian question becomes more acute. So, David Cameron has been quick to stress this morning that he will bring forward his proposals on English votes for English laws before Christmas.
The fundamental question is whether this move to federalism will save or destroy the Union. On balance, I’m hopeful it will save it. What has become clear over the past few years is that the status quo was not an option: the 1999 devolution settlement was killing the Union.
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