Election provides mandate for further devolution, says Sturgeon

The Conservative Government at Westminster must discuss further devolution of powers to Holyrood “over and above” those set out by the Smith Commission, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, Sturgeon said the SNP’s election result meant “the voice of Scotland will be heard” in ongoing discussions between the governments.

"Our determination to work with others of progressive opinion across the political spectrum... remains undiminished," she said.

She added that she had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Scottish Trade Unions Congress (STUC) to call for greater devolution of employment policy, including the minimum wage, and challenged Scottish Labour to back it.

She also called for Labour to fight Conservative plans to repeal the Human Rights Act. "We will do everything in our power to ensure vital human rights protections remain in Scotland," she said, referring to the fact it is enshrined in Scots law.

Labour deputy leader Kezia Dugdale said the Labour benches would do “anything we can” to oppose Conservative Human Rights plans.

"Enacted in the early days of a fresh Labour Government full of hope and aspiration for the future, that Act embodies the civil and political rights which are fundamental to any liberal democracy,” she said.

Dugdale also congratulated the First Minister on the election result.

“Can I take this opportunity to congratulate the First Minister on a remarkable result for her party. Whilst her campaign was led from the top with great dignity and flair, I'm sure she would agree that the hard work and dedication of activists and volunteers cannot go unnoticed,” she said.