THE Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, the Scottish Trade Union Congress, the National Union of Students, the Church of Scotland, and the Electoral Reform Society have repeatedly stated that devolution needs to be driven by the people themselves.
But since the General Election the conversation has retreated behind closed doors and lost its focus on the views of the people of Scotland. It appears as if discussions and negotiations are now exclusively between the First Minister and the Prime Minister. Any further consultation with the people of Scotland seems firmly off the table. In our experience leaving this debate to politicians alone results in short-term party political solutions.
Last year's referendum proved that people everywhere will rise to the challenge if they see a genuine choice to direct the future of their country. To be meaningful and effective, further devolution must be driven by the people of Scotland.
The Devolution Committee of the Scottish Parliament supports this position and has been very clear on the need for greater public engagement. Its recent report states: "The committee believes that further public engagement, directly with the people of Scotland as well as representative bodies, charities, industry groups, voluntary bodies. is still a vital activity that needs to be carried out and is fully committed to the spirit of the recommendation made by the Smith Commission in this respect".
All our organisations strongly support this view.
The Queen's Speech is an opportunity for the Prime Minister and First Minister to demonstrate a commitment to putting people in the driving seat for debates about the future of their country. It's not a matter of taking the people of Scotland with them. It's about ensuring that they lead the debate as we move forward.
Martin Sime, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations; Grahame Smith, Scottish Trade Union Congress; Vonnie Sandlan, NUS Scotland president-elect; Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Church of Scotland Church & Society Council; Willie Sullivan, Electoral Reform Society,
c/o Mansfield Traquair Centre 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh.
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