Scottish Greens leaders to attend devo commission

Patrick Harvie will attend the commission with co-convenor Maggie Chapman. Picture: John Devlin

MSP Patrick Harvie and Councillor Maggie Chapman will join nominees from Labour, the SNP, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats on Lord Smith of Kelvin’s Scotland Devolution Commission.

Mr Harvie said: “Maggie and I look forward to engaging constructively with the commission and will argue strongly for genuine economic powers. Scotland needs the ability to develop economic policy that’s right for our own circumstances, closing the inequality gap and speeding the transition to a sustainable society.

“However we have serious concerns that the commission will only offer limited public engagement, and we will make the case for more meaningful participation.

Maggie Chapman. Picture: Malcolm McCurrach

“In light of the record turnout at the referendum, and the high level of political energy among so many in our communities, it is essential that whether people voted Yes or No they have a chance to participate in the devolution process. This cannot be allowed to be just another stitch-up between political parties.”

The SNP will be represented by Finance Secretary John Swinney and MSP Linda Fabiani, while the Liberal Democrats have appointed former Scottish Secretary Michael Moore and former Scottish leader and MSP Tavish Scott.

Conservative nominees are MSP and former Scottish leader Annabel Goldie and academic Professor Adam Tomkins, with Labour yet to announce its choices.

Lord Smith has told political parties to come to the table with proposals which meet the country’s expectation for significant change by October 10.

A letter will also be sent out to Scotland’s civic institutions today inviting them to take part in the process, and Lord Smith will next week reveal how the public can share their views on additional powers with the commission.

• Michael Moore, Tavish Scott to represent Lib Dems in devo talks