SNP MPs have welcomed some of the measures outlined in the Queen’s Speech, including the proposed Scotland Bill, but stressed that the Scottish Parliament must gain the financial powers needed to ensure that Scotland’s economy prospered.
 
MPs also warned against part-privatisation of Royal Mail and called on the Tory Liberal coalition to ensure that reforms to electoral boundaries take into account Scotland's unique geography.
 
Commenting, SNP Westminster Leader Angus Robertson MP said:
 
“While the legislative programme was light on detail, some of the ideas contained within it have potential to deliver improved economic decision making for Scotland.
 
“The opportunity to devolve more powers to the Scottish Parliament is welcome – but these have to be the right powers. On areas such as air weapons, the drink drive limit, and responsibility for Holyrood elections, there is no disagreement, and these powers should be transferred as quickly as possible. Granting the Scottish Parliament control over drink driving and airgun legislation is clearly the right thing to do, and if the Labour Government hadn’t dragged its heels, these life saving measures would already be in place.
 
“On financial responsibilities, we need the powers to grow the Scottish economy and to give Scottish business a competitive advantage – decisions relating to Scotland’s finances should be taken in Scotland. This would settle the age-old disputes about funding, and allow both governments to focus on economic recovery.
 
“The SNP and many others have argued that the limited financial regime put forward by the Calman Commission is unworkable. However, there is real scope to devolve real financial powers which would enhance the Scottish economy. By giving the Scottish Parliament fiscal responsibility we can deliver prosperity for our people and give Scottish business a vital competitive advantage – and the SNP will urge the UK coalition government to work with the Scottish Government to make this happen.”
 
Commenting on the announcement that the UK Government will bring forward several referenda on voting reform, powers for the European Union and more powers for the Welsh Assembly, Mr Robertson added:
 
“It is nonsensical that Conservative and Liberal MPs back referenda on these issues but remain determined to deny the people of Scotland their say over their own constitutional future.
 
“SNP MPs will continue to champion Scotland’s interests at Westminster. In every piece of legislation brought forward, we will fight for the best deal for Scotland.”
 
SNP Business Spokesman, Mike Weir MP, warned that Government plans to part-privatise the Royal Mail could lead to job losses and decline in services:
 
“Even part-privatisation would spell the beginning of the end for Royal Mail, and open the door to job losses, service cuts and a deterioration in the working conditions of postal workers.
 
“Postal services must remain in public hands and the SNP will continue to fight for the retention of the publicly-owned Royal Mail."
 
SNP MP for the Western Isles and Shadow Scotland Office Spokesman, Angus MacNeil has called on the Conservative Liberal coalition to respect the unique geography of many of Scotland's rural and remote constituencies in any boundary review following the commitment in the Queen’s Speech to “create fewer and more equal sized constituencies”.
 
The Conservative party have advocated creating seats with 77 000 constituents as standard. In parts of Scotland, this would result in constituencies spread across huge land masses making it very difficult for constituents to access their MP.
 
Commenting, Mr MacNeil said:
 
“Many rural and remote constituencies across Scotland - such as my own in the Western Isles - cannot be parcelled into neat population bundles. The geography just doesn't allow it.
 
“By creating these massive seats, the UK Government risks undermining democratic representation in Scotland for the sake of convenience.
 
“If David Cameron is serious about his respect agenda and real electoral reform, then he will drop these ill considered plans for super constituencies and at the same time ditch his proposals to cut democratically elected MPs whilst appointing more unelected peers to the House of Lords.”

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