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Scottish independence: Rivals respond to Queen's speech | Scottish independence: Rivals respond to Queen's speech |
(35 minutes later) | |
The Queen has re-affirmed the UK government's commitment to keeping Scotland in the Union, as she opened parliament at Westminster. | The Queen has re-affirmed the UK government's commitment to keeping Scotland in the Union, as she opened parliament at Westminster. |
Her Majesty said UK ministers would continue to "make the case for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom". | Her Majesty said UK ministers would continue to "make the case for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom". |
The Queen's speech outlined the coalition's final legislative plans ahead of the next UK election. | The Queen's speech outlined the coalition's final legislative plans ahead of the next UK election. |
It also came ahead of the 18 September independence referendum. | It also came ahead of the 18 September independence referendum. |
The Queen's speech came as rival politicians set out their visions for Scotland's future. | The Queen's speech came as rival politicians set out their visions for Scotland's future. |
The SNP's Westminster spokesman Angus Robertson pointed out that the Queen did not mention any new powers for the Scottish Parliament. | |
But Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said nine of the 11 bills contained in the speech would apply in Scotland. | |
During her speech at parliament, the Queen said: "My government will continue to implement new powers for the Scottish Parliament and make the case for Scotland to remain a part of the United Kingdom." | During her speech at parliament, the Queen said: "My government will continue to implement new powers for the Scottish Parliament and make the case for Scotland to remain a part of the United Kingdom." |
Mr Robertson responded: "The absence of any mention at all of the Westminster parties' plans for Scotland in the Queen's speech is extraordinary. | |
"Not even Air Passenger Duty was mentioned, even though this could be transferred to the Scottish Parliament now, as the Tories admitted this week. | |
"In this - the year of the biggest opportunity in Scotland's history - Scotland hardly even gets a nod at Westminster, and not a single mention of future plans for improving government in Scotland." | |
Mr Carmichael said the UK government was "building on strong foundations for a prosperous and exciting future in Scotland". | |
He added: "This legislation will help improve the lives of people across the country and lend a helping hand to working families and the businesses at the heart of our economy. | |
"At the same time we will further support the North Sea industry and give Scotland's pensioners security and flexibility over their retirement funds. It is a comprehensive package for Scotland and I welcome the positive changes it will bring." |