MPs debate devolution

The future of the UK constitution will be debated today in the House of Commons following the referendum of Scottish independence.

On Monday the UK government published a Command paper setting out its plans to give more powers to the Scottish Parliament, but it is expected MPs sitting in English constituencies will take the opportunity to call for Scottish MPs to be prevented from voting on English issues today.

Before the 18 September vote, Prime Minister David Cameron, Labour leader Ed Miliband and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg signed a pledge to devolve more powers to Scotland if there was a 'No' vote. Today’s debate will be led by Commons leader William Hague and Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael.

The SNP dismissed the Command paper as ‘inadequate’.

 SNP MP Pete Wishart said: "The paper is inadequate, and well behind the pace of what people in Scotland need and want. It will disappoint people who voted No for extensive new powers, as well as the 1.6 million who voted Yes.”

Shadow Scottish Secretary Margaret Curran told the house yesterday: “The people of Scotland have voted for pooling, sharing and prosperity, and that is what should guide the Smith Commission’s discussions. The referendum attracted the highest level of participation of any national poll ever held in Scotland. It is important as we develop the next stage of devolution we reflect that. “