Letter: Share it out

I support the call (Letters, passim) for civic involvement in the debate about new tax powers for Holyrood. As chairman of Scotland Forward, the cross-party campaign for a Yes vote in the 1997 referendum for a Scottish parliament, I believe as wide a consensus as possible is needed on this important issue.

Building a consensus takes time and argument as to just what is needed on an issue so fundamental to our lives. While the Calman tax proposals are unworkable and damaging, we must not be bounced into alternatives hatched at short notice by politicians and the business community. Most importantly, any new tax changes must not be rushed through at the same time as spending cuts, which would cause significant damage to services and jobs. Any course of action must protect public services and grow the economy.

NIGEL SMITH

Crosshouse Road

Campsie Glen, Glasgow