AN “exciting new era in Scottish politics” has arrived, David Mundell has claimed today, as the Scotland Bill giving Holyrood new tax and welfare powers enters its final stage before becoming law.

MPs are due to consider a number of technical amendments, including one that hands power to the Scottish Parliament to deal with problem parking, before the legislation goes to the Queen for Royal Assent.

The Scottish Secretary insisted the completion of the bill meant that the UK Government had delivered on its vow to create a “powerhouse parliament fit for a 21st century Scotland” and meant that the political debate could now move from constitutional wrangling between London and Edinburgh to one of how the new powers would be used by the Scottish Government.

“This is an important moment in the story of our nation,” declared Mr Mundell, saying the completion of the bill would see Holyrood transformed into a body with real power and real accountability.

“There will no longer be anyone else to point the finger at if promises made become promises broken because policies could not match campaign rhetoric. The buck really will stop at Bute House,” insisted the Secretary of State.

“But, most importantly of all, this bill delivers what the people of Scotland called for in the independence referendum: a legislature with powers which, if used well, can help grow our country and see it fulfil its true potential in conjunction with colleagues in the UK Parliament,” he explained.

Mr Mundell argued that by working together, Holyrood and Westminster could multiply the benefits to Scotland.

He added: “The Scotland Bill means the UK Government has delivered on its commitments; a powerhouse parliament for Scotland, which shares in and contributes to the strength, security and stability of the UK.

“It is now down to us all to work together to make sure politicians at every level serve the people of Scotland in the very best way we can.”