Way ahead

The coalition government has stated that its legislative proposals as outlined in the Queen's Speech are based on the principles of "freedom and fairness".

The government is to legislate for a referendum on changing the voting system for electing MPs. In addition, the public will have the right to throw out corrupt MPs between elections and there will be referendums on any transfer of powers to the European Union and on greater powers for the Welsh Assembly.

Sadly, it appears Scotland is nonsensically to be denied a vote on its constitutional future, and legislation to implement the Calman Commission recommendations on tax powers is misguided and ill-conceived, serving to damage rather than boost the economy, while increasing Scotland's tax contribution to the Treasury. The opportunity presented by the forthcoming bill must act as a catalyst for a much needed debate on considering fair and beneficial models of fiscal autonomy.

ALEX ORR

Bryson Road

Edinburgh