Westminster Urged to Adhere to the 'Letter and Spirit' of the Smith Commission

Westminster must adhere to both the letter and the spirit'' of the Smith Commission when draft legislation designed to implement its devolution proposals is revealed later this week, the Deputy First Minister has said.

John Swinney said the UK Government's publication of draft clauses to turn the recommendations into law must mark the beginning and not the end of a process to empower'' the Scottish Parliament. Among the recommendations made by the commission, set up in the wake of the No vote on independence to agree a package of more powers for Scotland, is the transfer of additional responsibilities over income tax and welfare to Holyrood.

Mr Swinney, who was one of the SNP's representatives on the commission, said: Any proposals put forward this week must be the start of a process of devolving power and not the end.This week Westminster must demonstrate clearly that it will translate the proposals from Smith into legislation and ensure that the powers are transferred to Scotland fully in keeping with both the letter and the spirit of the Smith Commission and in a way which has the support of the people of Scotland.''

The Deputy First Minister called for all parties to listen to what civic Scotland had to say on the draft legislation. He added: The publication of these proposals creates the opportunity for people and organisations across Scotland to have the opportunity to shine a light on what is being offered.Whilst Smith did not recommend all the powers I would want the parliament to have, we will use what powers are made available, as far as possible, to increase equality, to tackle poverty and to grow the economy.And we will lead the debate to ensure the Scottish Parliament is equipped with the powers our people believe it should have to tackle the fundamental challenges in our country.''