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Cameron pledge on Holyrood powers | Cameron pledge on Holyrood powers |
(30 minutes later) | |
David Cameron has said he plans to hand Holyrood more powers during the first term of a Conservative government. | David Cameron has said he plans to hand Holyrood more powers during the first term of a Conservative government. |
The Tory leader told the BBC he wanted to look at devolving further tax powers and stated his intention to legislate on devolution within that timescale. | The Tory leader told the BBC he wanted to look at devolving further tax powers and stated his intention to legislate on devolution within that timescale. |
He also promised not cut the number of MSPs, which had been included in the party's Holyrood manifesto in 2007. | He also promised not cut the number of MSPs, which had been included in the party's Holyrood manifesto in 2007. |
Opposition parties described Mr Cameron's stance as confused and said he stopped short of making guarantees. | |
In an interview with the Politics Show Scotland, the Conservative leader described the Calman report, which reviewed Scottish devolution, as a "very good piece of work" upon which he plans to deliver. | In an interview with the Politics Show Scotland, the Conservative leader described the Calman report, which reviewed Scottish devolution, as a "very good piece of work" upon which he plans to deliver. |
He said he wanted to look further at reforming devolved tax powers before publishing the plans. | He said he wanted to look further at reforming devolved tax powers before publishing the plans. |
We see merit in reducing their number from 129 to 108, as originally intended by the Scotland Act Tory Holyrood manifesto 2007 | We see merit in reducing their number from 129 to 108, as originally intended by the Scotland Act Tory Holyrood manifesto 2007 |
"We do believe that greater financial accountability for the Scottish Parliament should be part of the future," he said. | "We do believe that greater financial accountability for the Scottish Parliament should be part of the future," he said. |
"What we've said is that we'd produce a White Paper before the Holyrood election. And our plan would be to put that plan into effect." | "What we've said is that we'd produce a White Paper before the Holyrood election. And our plan would be to put that plan into effect." |
Mr Cameron said he would legislate within the first term of a Conservative government, but stopped short of giving a guarantee. | Mr Cameron said he would legislate within the first term of a Conservative government, but stopped short of giving a guarantee. |
He did, however, pledge not to impose a cut in the number of MSPs. | He did, however, pledge not to impose a cut in the number of MSPs. |
He said: "What the Holyrood parliament decides to do is a matter for it. | He said: "What the Holyrood parliament decides to do is a matter for it. |
"We are not going to unilaterally impose a cut on the Scottish Parliament." | "We are not going to unilaterally impose a cut on the Scottish Parliament." |
'Basic questions' | 'Basic questions' |
However, the Scottish Conservative party's manifesto in 2007 said: "At present, there are too many MSPs. | However, the Scottish Conservative party's manifesto in 2007 said: "At present, there are too many MSPs. |
"We see merit in reducing their number from 129 to 108, as originally intended by the Scotland Act. | "We see merit in reducing their number from 129 to 108, as originally intended by the Scotland Act. |
"That's more than enough to run the nation, and it will save taxpayers nearly £3m, which they can better spend themselves." | "That's more than enough to run the nation, and it will save taxpayers nearly £3m, which they can better spend themselves." |
Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said: "David Cameron is all over the place on this and desperately confused. | |
"Labour is committed to taking forward and renewing devolution though a strong evidence-based approach that is Calman. Our White Paper spells out the details for all to see." | |
SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson said: "It is noticeable that he refused to guarantee legislating within the first term of a Tory administration on the recommendations of the Calman Commission, which his party supported. | |
"Along with Labour, the Tories at Westminster have just kicked these reforms into the long grass despite Scottish Parliamentary cross-party support." |