‘Built to last’?: draft devolution Bill to be published today

‘it is the people of Scotland who will determine if these proposals go far enough’ – John Swinney

Prime Minister David Cameron will meet Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Edinburgh today to discuss the next stage of devolving more powers to the Scottish Parliament. The visit comes on the day the UK government publishes draft legislation on powers it intends to transfer to Holyrood.

However Deputy First Minister John Swinney has warned that the UK Government’s proposals for more powers for Scotland must deliver the recommendations of the Smith Commission in full.

During today’s announcement the Prime Minister is expected to say the draft legislation proves the ‘vow’ of new powers made by the unionist parties before the referendum has been delivered ahead of the Burns Night schedule.

Speaking ahead of the publication, Mr Swinney said: “The proposals which Mr Cameron publishes today must live up to the word and spirit of the Smith Commission. Scotland should not – and will not – accept anything less.

“While the Smith Commission recommendations did not go as far as we wanted, and do not live up to the ‘Vow’ made before the independence referendum, we welcome them, and they must now be delivered in full.

“There is a long way to go before these proposals are put into law. What we have today is the start of the process to develop a Westminster Bill which has widespread support for introduction shortly after this year’s general election.

“We will be working closely with stakeholders to ensure these proposals are right for Scotland and that they reflect the views of ordinary people. The Scottish Government is focused on securing economic growth, tackling inequality and protecting our public services, and the new powers being delivered must help deliver those goals.

“We will carefully examine today’s paper, because anything which backtracks, waters down or falls short of what Lord Smith recommended would be unacceptable – and ultimately it is the people of Scotland who will determine if these proposals go far enough.”

Agreement to fast-track Holyrood votes for 16 & 17 year olds

Votes for 16 & 17 year olds: ‘I believe the case has become undeniable’ – Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael

The legislative power to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote in future Scottish Parliament elections should be transferred from the UK Parliament to Holyrood in March, Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael announced yesterday.

Mr Carmichael made the announcement during a visit to Edinburgh College, where he met 16 and 17 year old students and discussed the importance of having the right to vote.

The timetable for the Section 30 Order – which will devolve the power from the UK Parliament to Holyrood in March – has been agreed by both the UK and Scottish Government. It will be brought before both Houses of the UK Parliament and the Scottish Parliament today and then put forward for Privy Council approval in March.

This is the first stage in implementing the Smith Commission’s cross party agreement on devolution which will bring more powers and more financial responsibility to the Scottish Parliament.

Delivery of the Section 30 Order was brought forward as an exception from the rest of the Smith package so the power could be devolved in time for 16 and 17 year olds to vote in the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections – although they will not have a vote in May’s general election.

The Scottish Secretary also confirmed that the UK Government would publish draft legislation on the Smith Agreement later this week – ahead of the Burns Day deadline announced prior to the independence referendum.

During his college visit Mr Carmichael met with a group of BTEC first-year Art & Design students, who had already been discussing the issue as part of their communications class, as well as other 16-17 year students, to learn their views about lowering the voting age. He also met with representatives from Edinburgh College Students’ Association, as well as college Board vice chair Ian Young and deputy principal Craig Wilson.

Mr Carmichael said: “I’m delighted to confirm a timetable has been agreed for 16 and 17 year olds to vote in future Scottish Parliament elections. I’ve always been a firm believer in votes at 16, with the sheer number of young people participating and voting in last year’s referendum I believe the case has become undeniable.

“Today marks the next phase in our commitment to people in Scotland and the start of an landmark week for the future of our country. Later this week we will publish draft legislation ahead of Burns Night meeting our promise to bring new powers built to last for the Scottish Parliament.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that agreement has been reached with the UK Government on the terms of the transfer of powers to allow the Scottish Parliament to give 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote in Scottish Parliament elections.

Once the Order has been passed, the Scottish Government will bring forward legislation to the Scottish Parliament which, subject to parliamentary agreement, will allow registration officers to complete their work to ensure 16 and 17 year olds are able to vote in the May 2016 Scottish election.

The deal comes after the First Minister met with Prime Minister David Cameron in London last month, where she stressed the need for swift action to transfer the powers. The First Minister and Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael have now confirmed that the necessary powers will be transferred by March.

Welcoming the move, the First Minister said yesterday: “It has long been this Government’s policy to reduce the voting age to 16. The Scottish Government’s decision to extend the vote to 16 and 17 year olds in the referendum legislation is widely seen as an outstanding success and contributed to the unprecedented level of democratic engagement we witnessed.

“I am delighted that there is now cross-party support in the Scottish Parliament for extending the franchise to include 16 and 17 year olds for Scottish Parliament and local government elections. I stressed the need for rapid action on this front when I met David Cameron in London before Christmas – and I am delighted we now have a deal. We now intend to bring forward legislation to the Scottish Parliament as soon as possible after the Order is in force to lower the voting age to 16 for these elections. This will allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote in the 2016 elections to the Scottish Parliament.

“This deal, which is being delivered to a tight timetable, shows just what is possible when there is political will on both sides – and underlines the need for swift action on other elements of the Smith Commission proposals.”

Last week a Scottish Parliament committee survey reported that an overwhelming majority of 16 and 17-year-olds who were eligible to vote in last year’s historic referendum did so, with four out of five saying they want a vote in all future elections.

More than 1200 of the eligible first-time voters responded to the online survey run by the Devolution (Further Powers) Committee with more than one in three saying they had campaigned for either side and two in five saying they had attended a campaign event.

Welcoming the findings, Devolution (Further Powers) Committee Convener Bruce Crawford MSP said: “We saw an unprecedented level of interest and democratic engagement around the referendum and the results of this survey provide further evidence of the energy and enthusiasm generated.

“It is quite clear that 16 and 17 year olds welcomed the opportunity to have their say on their country’s constitutional future and now want a say in the elections that shape their lives and communities – it is now for politicians to respond positively to that democratic momentum.”

Survey findings include:

Over 84 per cent of respondees agreed with the decision to give 16 and 17 year olds the vote in the Referendum
Three-quarters of respondees felt “well informed” or “quite well informed” about the major issues;
Nearly 36 per cent of respondees campaigned for either side while one in four joined a political party;
Four-fifths believe they should be able to vote in other elections;
Nearly two-thirds accessed online or social media material from the official campaigns while broadcast media was the most popular source for information.

Mr Crawford said: “I am delighted that the UK Government has agreed to transfer responsibility for running elections in Scotland to the Scottish Parliament, paving the way for votes in future Scottish, UK and local elections.

“We will use the findings of this survey to ensure that future generations of voters are as well-equipped as possible to make decisions on the issues that affect them.”

Active Citizenship asks: The Vow delivered?

Edinburgh Active Citizenship Group is holding a free public seminar on Scotland’s changing democracy next month:

The Smith Commission – The Vow delivered?

Speaker: Professor Nicola McEwen, University of Edinburgh

What exactly is being proposed?
How likely is it to happen?
What difference will it make?
How can we influence the outcome?

Wednesday 4 February 7-9 pm

Thomson’s Land, Moray House, St John’ Street (off the Canongate)

No need to book – just turn up. If you have any specific requirements please let us know at least a week in advance.

For more info telephone: 0131 558 3545

or email ActiveCitizenshipGroup@@gmail.com

Soapbox: A partly political broadside!

While the referendum was the big political story in Scotland last year, the rise and rise of UKIP hit the headines south of the border. Now it’s General Election year, and Broughton High School student ROSS COWPER thinks the country may be going backwards …

This is a party political broadcast by the UK independence party …

With the re-election of Mark Reckless to parliament in the Rochester and Strood by-election in November, it is safe to say that UKIP are gaining some ground in the political dog race.

Over the past year the party seemed to attract more and more under 30 year old’s to join them in getting rid of foreigners together, and turning good old Blighty back to the 50’s.

UKIP recently served up a slightly ironic new poster to the public, copying Russell Brand’s Revolution, which has turned the letters ‘evol’ around to spell ‘love’ – not something immediately thought of when thinking of UKIP!

Maybe UKIP are trying to appeal to Russell Brand’s younger audience (not necessarily supporters of Brand), in the hope of making them bigots from an early age. They will hopefully stay with the party to their dying day, where Britain is safe from those damn Europeans!

Perish the thought that if you went back far enough into a person’s history you will find they are actually originally through blood from southern France, for example, and not ‘truly English’ at all. No that would never do, it’s inconceivable!

So what can teens really expect under the ‘purple revolution’? It feels like I am repeating myself here but I guess that’s what UKIP wish. On their site the caption: ‘love Britain again’ and to accompany is the Winston Churchill’s famous ‘V for Victory’ gesture. Tell me again if I am repeating myself. Yes, it is great that Britain was part of the victory through World War Two, and Winston Churchill commanded that era, but you can’t go back and try to live off this forever – and if some people don’t like it, they’re seen as Nazi lovers! Seems like blackmail to me – and who are the real fascists now anyway?

I can’t imagine Russell Brand reacting positvely to this UKiP message; although he doesn’t think people should vote anyway, but instead rise up to challenge the establishment. Ironically this is where UKIP may have the upper hand: they don’t appear to be part of that ‘establishment’.

Farage has manifested himself (and his party) to look like a beer-swilling man of the people; people who know immigrants are to blame for all our troubles. If UKIP were a man, that man would be Farage, I guess.

UKIP supporters feel disenfranchised and believe that the political class ignores ordinary people, so why not change? I am all for change, to redistribute wealth, to help other countries in corrupt situations and for every human to have their rights.

I do want change, just not this change: I call UKIP’s change stepping backwards in time.

Holyrood 2014: that was the year that was

As a momentous year for Scotland draws to a close, the Scottish Parliament marks its fifteenth year with a round-up of the numbers at Holyrood in 2014:

From the phenomenally popular Great Tapestry of Scotland (pictured above), to the introduction of a range of important new Bills, to the number of scones and shortbread enjoyed by thousands of visitors, these are the statistics that made up the Parliament over the past twelve months:

• This year saw the introduction of 14 Bills, with 19 receiving Royal Assent, including the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act (above), Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act, Disabled Persons’ Parking Badges (Scotland) Act and Historic Environment Scotland Act.

• The Great Tapestry of Scotland (above) proved a huge draw, with visitor numbers showing a 10,000 increase in the months of June, July and August, compared to 2013. In total more than 85,000 visitors flocked to see the Tapestry in the summer of 2014.
• The Great Tapestry of Scotland was also a hit at the Parliament’s shop with 2,280 Great Tapestry books and 2,940 postcards flying off the shelves.

• The Scottish Parliament hosted 18 major events, including The Queen’s Baton Relay (above), The Festival of Politics 2014 and the St Andrew’s Day Debate. The year was rounded off in traditional style with the Parliament’s annual Christmas Carol Service.

• The Parliament welcomed 449 school sessions to Holyrood, with 14,552 pupils taking part in a wide range of activities, including learning more about how the Parliament works and meeting MSPs.

• Parliament education staff travelled the length and breadth of Scotland, delivering 518 sessions in schools to 12,814 pupils.

• Parliament Days were held in February, November and December this year, with Dumbarton (above), Fort William and Levenmouth taking centre stage. Parliamentary Committees invited the public to attend held external meetings, scrutinising the work of Government and the Presiding Officer discovered more about the towns, visiting a range of inspiring local groups, people and projects.
• The Parliament’s switchboard took nearly 41,331 telephone calls, our Public Information and Publications team answered more than 5,625 enquiries and produced 136,785 leaflets requested or picked up at Holyrood.
• And finally, in the Scottish Parliament’s public café, visitors enjoyed more than 23,837 cups of coffee and 15,143 cups of tea. More than 8,500 sandwiches were sold, 3,405 bowls of soup – and of course more than 4,166 scones and 8,209 pieces of shortbread!

Sturgeon ‘confident’ over votes for young people

Entente cordiale over votes for 16 and 17 year olds

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has expressed confidence that the powers necessary to allow 16 and 17 year-olds to vote will be devolved to Holyrood in time for the next Scottish Parliament elections.

Speaking outside Number 10 Downing Street yesterday after her first meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron since she took office, Ms Sturgeon said she believed both Scottish and UK governments would give the matter the required focus to allow the franchise to be extended before the 2016 vote.

The First Minister said the talks had been “constructive and cordial” and that there was a will on behalf of both governments to work together in the interests of the people in Scotland.

But she warned that the early devolution of the necessary powers via a Section 30 order, would offer a significant early test of Westminster’s desire to implement the wider Smith Commission proposals.

The First Minister said: “The talks with the Prime Minister in Downing Street were constructive and cordial. Clearly David Cameron and I have big political differences and different views on the constitutional future of Scotland, but there was a real appetite on the part of both to find ways of working together in the interests of the people of Scotland.

“Following the meeting, I am confident that we now have the basis of a deal on the necessary devolution of powers to extend the franchise to 16 and 17 year-olds in time for the 2016 election, giving us the opportunity to build on the huge success of the engagement we saw in the referendum.

“But we need to move quickly if this is going to happen. We need to see a Section 30 order that will transfer the legal power to the Scottish Parliament before Westminster breaks up for the General Election to give us the requisite time to enact primary legislation. Following my discussions today, I think that timetable has been accepted and we now need to see a focus by both governments to make it happen.”

Ms Sturgeon added: “The process necessary to transfer the franchise powers is not just important because it will extend the right to vote to 16 and 17 year olds in Scotland. It offers a significant early test of the desire on the part of Westminster to implement the wider proposals contained within the Smith Commission.

“Given the goodwill outlined by both parties during today’s discussions, there is no reason that the focus and desire to take forward this particular change so swiftly should not be extended to the rest of the Commission’s recommendations.”

Downing Street said the first official meeting between the two leaders had been ‘very cordial and constructive’.

A spokesperson said: “They discussed the Smith Commission’s recommendation on the Scottish Parliament having the power to extend the vote to 16 and 17 year olds, and the Prime Minister told the First Minister that he will do all he can to ensure 16 and 17 year olds can vote in next Holyrood elections.

“They also agreed to establish a joint ministerial working group with UK and Scottish Government ministers to look at practical implementation and transitional issues around Department for Work and Pensions programmes.

“The Prime Minister made clear that he wants to work with the First Minister, forging even stronger ties between our governments and our Parliaments and working together on the big issues for the future of Scotland and the United Kingdom.”

Are we more progressive or politically blind?

Broughton High School student Ross Cowper-Fraser says it’s now time that sixteen and seventeen year olds get to vote in all elections:

The referendum may be over, but the question of whether 16 and 17 year olds are to gain the vote in the UK general and Scottish elections continues to loom over the politicians at Westminster and Holyrood.

According to the official count 3.6 million Scots engaged in the vote on 18 September: 100,000 were 16 & 17 year olds voting for the first time

A poll of young voters conducted by Lord Ashcroft found that 71% voted yes.
Since the group was gathered relatively quickly only a modest number was interviewed and this does not show the main view of this age category in its entirety. It does raise a question: are the younger members of the Scottish public more progressive than others, or is it that most do not have enough life experience to make an informed decision?

I discovered this when I was taking pictures on the night of the referendum vote when these three girls were shouted at for looking: “f**ck**g twelve!” Similar comment came from both sides of the debate and struck me as quite bigoted from ‘adults’, yet the media cameras flocked in like hawks towards the three girls! This was either for the abuse or the speck of red white and blue (Three young girls are highlighted within a sea of yes voters at the Scottish Parliament., above).

This was the first time many young Scots have voted, and many sceptics have spoken out on this. Nevertheless it has been well documented that the level of engagement has been of a high standard: I know myself from fellow senior peers in my year and at least three years below in S3 (although they could not vote) have all been engaged in discussion.

Not only do I think our age group far exceeded the participation of the vote from sceptical people, I also think that some young people’s knowledge surpassed the awareness of plenty of adults, from watching Andrew Neil on Daily Politics to discussing the papers in the morning. This may be partly to the use mass of the social media platform: young people gained their information most of the time probably used links, friends and posts to gain knowledge.

Then there were the door to door talks, public meeting and school debates across the country as Scotland prepared for possibly the biggest decision of its people for many years.

This may be all well and good but now, how will the franchise age be lowered? At the age of 16 you can do things like pay taxes, join the army and get married, but without having any right to vote how the country can be called fully democratic?

I emailed Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian asking what she and her party thought of widening the electorate, and she replied: “After their brilliant contribution to the referendum debate, no-one can seriously argue that 16 and 17 year old’s should not get to vote in all future elections.

“As the debate around more powers for Scotland continues, the Scottish Greens want the rules to be changed in time to allow 16 and 17 years old’s to vote in the Westminster election next year, and certainly for the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections.”

“It has long been Scottish Green Party policy to extend the franchise to 16 and 17 year-old voters and we would like to see this happen in time for the UK General Election next May and 2016 Holyrood election.”

At Westminster, the Conservatives do not believe that this group should gain suffrage, and the UK independence party follow the Tories in this belief: funny really when the don’t agree on much more that not giving young the vote! This could work against them in the future: it may give a foundation of disconnection between them and future voters. Parties like Labour, Greens, SNP and the Liberal Democrats may become the main choice: either way, Scotland and especially the UK could change dramatically.

So essentially the youth vote could be a source of political advantage for the future – David Cameron may have to resort to swearing again so he can try and relate to the ‘impressionable youth’!

However less than half of 18 to 24 year olds voted in the last UK general election: this was much lower of the nation’s average voters. And there is nowhere in the UK where there is a huge number of young people centralised within one area, so spread out like this, can young people make much of a difference to the current flows of decision-making? For years youth groups have tried to be heard and get noticed, so it can be said that many do take an interest in politics. And due to recent events the youth voice may become a more important and relevant factor in current affairs.

I also contacted MSP Sarah Boyack to find out Scottish Labour’s position. She responded: “In the final months before the referendum I met young voters on both sides of the campaign who were keen to debate the issues and play their part.

“It was really exciting to see young people keen to engage in politics and it’s important that we do not allow that enthusiasm to disappear. Many young people are already active in our communities and we need to make sure that their skills and knowledge are fed into decision making.

“I believe that the time is right to extend the voting age for all elections to 16 and 17 year old’s and Labour is committed to this step at a UK level too. It is also important that this is backed by an extensive programme of civic education in schools and work to encourage more involvement in initiatives such as the Scottish Youth Parliament.”

So no-one under the age of 18 will vote in next May’s general election, but if you are an optimist then this may change depending on the party elected in 2015. Say Labour achieved this, then the voting age may be lowered for future Westminster elections. Meanwhile in Scotland this looks like a real possibility for the upcoming elections in 2016, as most parties agree to this movement for change.

Westminster may be left behind, swaying from the road to total democracy. Finally will the irony of placing total focus upon the Smith Commission place this matter in the dark? Let’s hope not.

Ross Cowper-Fraser

Youth Parliament Chair encourages candidates to stand for election

‘grasp this opportunity to ensure young people are continually at the forefront of shaping our society’ – Louise Cameron, Chair SYP

The Scottish Youth Parliament elections will be held in March next year and the call is now open for young people all over the country to register their interest and stand as candidates to represent young people in their area.

The Scottish Youth Parliament is the democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people and campaigns on a wide range of issues, and represents young people all over Scotland. It gives young people a national platform to voice their issues, turn them into positive actions, and influence Scotland’s decision makers.

To register interest to represent a local constituency, young people aged 14-25 should complete a Candidate Expression of Interest Form by Friday 31 October. Further information is available atwww.syp.org.uk/elections.

Louise Cameron, Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: “During what is such an exciting time to be involved in the heart of Scottish politics, I am delighted to announce that the call for candidates is now open for the SYP Elections 2015.

“The Scottish Youth Parliament is an entirely youth-led organisation, and Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament represent the views of young people across Scotland and strive to make a real difference by campaigning on the issues that matter the most to young people.

“Being a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament is a truly life changing experience. I would like to encourage young people from all over the country to consider standing as a candidate and to grasp this opportunity to ensure young people are continually at the forefront of shaping our society.”

Current Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) have produced a promotional video to encourage others to get involved in this opportunity to stand as a candidate and potentially become an MSYP.

The SYP Elections promotional video can be viewed at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdPFjHPgD6Q&list=UU3lS9jY21U4jVSnhYkAK3kw

Scottish Youth Parliament needs YOU!

Hello YOUNG PEOPLE!

The Scottish Youth Parliament elections are being held in March 2015 where all Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) will be elected from across Scotland openly, democratically, and at the same time between 2 – 11 March 2015.

Do you have the next Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament in your class, school group, community centre or youth clubs? Or could it be you?

All young people between the ages of 14-25 have the right to stand for election and so we’re hoping to capture input from young people willing to speak up and play their part in what’s happening around us!

Standing as a candidate is an opportunity for young people in your school and community to make a difference to their local area (and the country) and to ensure young people’s voices are heard by Scotland’s decision-makers.

If you know of any young person who might be interested in being elected as an Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, the deadline to register an interest in standing for election is 31 October 2014.

If anyone would like to get involved and/ or want to find out more, please contact Mary Mitchell from the Young People’s Participation Team via mary.mitchell@edinburgh.gov.uk or by phoning 529 2131. Or if you’d prefer to an informal chat on “your turf” before you progress anywhere please call me on 332 6316.

More information can also be found on the web at www.syp.org.uk, by tweet @Official SYP, or by visit syp.org.uk or a video promoting being a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament on the same website.

Callum McLeod

Broughton Community Learning & Development team

City council: more live broadcasts

Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee is live today

Just four days after the declaration of the Independence Referendum was aired live from Edinburgh and watched around the world, the City of Edinburgh Council has revealed plans to broadcast more of its committees, meetings and decision-making live online.

The latest developments mean that the Council’s webcasting service – which currently airs four committee meetings – will expand to add nine more meetings to the list following the installation of cameras and microphones in the Dean of Guild Court Room at the City Chambers.

The latest meetings to be added will cover key decisions on topics of interest to the public, including changes to sporting facilities, health initiatives, and arts and cultural events that take place in the city.

From decisions on town planning and Edinburgh’s roads, to changes to local bin collections, parks and libraries; citizens will be able to tune in to decisions that affect them and their communities.

Approved at Full Council last October, where a report showed a positive reaction to existing webcasting from the Edinburgh public, the move follows a wave of interest in local democracy and decision making in Scotland, which saw 84.4 per cent of Edinburgh residents on the electoral roll turn out to vote in the Independence Referendum.

The RT Hon Lord Provost, Councillor Donald Wilson said: “As the turnout to vote on Thursday showed all of us, people in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland and more engaged and excited about politics and democracy than they have been in a long time. Over 84 per cent of the people in Edinburgh who were registered to vote did so last week, which demonstrates a real appetite for people to engage in the issues that affect them directly.

“That is why it is essential that we, the Council, enable the public to scrutinise and engage with local decisions, and webcasting more meetings will give people direct access to this process.

“This is one of a number of initiatives to promote openness and transparency throughout the Council. For example, we are also piloting e-voting by councillors as Andrew Burns revealed just this month, which will give greater transparency as to how councillors vote on key decisions.”

The £81,000 webcasting scheme will see a full audio-visual upgrade of the Dean of Guild Court Room, as well as improved facilities for the hard of hearing.

Webcasting Council committee meetings is hoped to raise awareness of the local democratic process, improving transparency, understanding and accountability of local decision-making, as well as making meetings as accessible as possible.

Webcasts are archived and available for five years after the meeting on the webcast website.

The first meeting to be webcast using the new equipment will be the Communities and Neighbourhoods committee at 10am today.

Members of the public can register to receive alerts detailing the agenda of the meetings which are available to view online six days in advance on the Council website.

More information on webcasting can also be found on the Council websiteand on Twitter by following the hashtag #edinwebcast.

The existing webcasting service currently allows internet users to watch Full Council, Governance, Risk and Best Value and Petitions Committee meetings.