Devolution revisited

If we accept that devolution is a process rather than an event, it is essential to review that process periodically and make necessary adjustments to the constitutional settlement. The tenth anniversary is the right moment to re-examine devolution within the context of the relationship between the constituent parts of the United Kingdom. It should be seen as an integral part of the wider constitutional debate launched yesterday by Home Secretary Jack Straw, a debate that encompasses the Act of Settlement, reform of the House of Lords and a parliamentary mandate for taking Britain to war. The election in Scotland of a minority government whose political objective is to achieve independence from Westminster adds impetus to the Scottish part of the process.