Anatomy of a gaffe reveals a Tory tartan dilemma
Article Abstract:
The UK Conservative party has been placed in a very embarrassing position by Stephen Dorrell, who implied that a future Conservative government may repeal legislation establishing a Scottish parliament. His mistake, if indeed it was one, reveals a serious inconsistency in the government's approach to the issue of devolution. In hinting at repeal, Dorrell presented an extremely unlikely prospect and also want against the official Conservative party stance that devolution would be a permanent disaster for Scotland.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1997
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How the Cabinet wrote its script for the new Scotland
Article Abstract:
The UK government has undertaken sensitive negotiations in preparing its stance on Scottish devolution. Some Cabinet members were keen to ensure that the White Paper on this issue was not too nationalistic in tone, and others had practical concerns about the separation of powers. However, it is has been possible to draw up a plan which has so far gained broad acceptance. There are still considerable challenges to be faced, including finding high quality Labour politicians to sit in the new Scottish parliament.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1997
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Who's afraid of the West Lothian question?
Article Abstract:
The fact that Scottish MPs are able to vote in the UK House of Commons on policies which apply only to England and Wales has been a politically sensitive issue for many years. Those who are critical of this system seem to conveniently overlook the fact that English MPs are also able to vote on policies which only apply to Scotland. The UK's new Labour government admits that this issue represents a potential anomaly in the constitution, but does not seem prepared to take decisive action to resolve it.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1997
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