The Smith Commission is reviewing the devolution of powers to Scotland, and it has been asked to work at breakneck speed; the deadline for submissions is 31st October, and the Commission will be reporting by 30th November. Normally what I do with drafts is that I write a basic response, put them to one side, let them simmer, polish them a little, rewrite, and send them off when they seem properly baked. I don’t really have the time to do that, so I’ve decided to post something half-baked instead. The draft submission I’ve posted here is – as it says – a draft; I’m hoping that some of you will read it and suggest how I can make it better, clearer or more sensible. You can comment on the blog, or email me with ideas.
Further note, 14th October: I’ve updated the draft, and the link now goes to the second version. There has been a salvo of publications about this issue. I’m not going to try to delay the submission to the bitter end, because if I do, it’s probably going to have less impact; I’ll try to finalise it by the end of next week, but I’ll try to respond to other people’s arguments on the blog as they come out.
Further note, 21st October: Here is the third, and I think the final version – unless someone points out a disastrous mistake! As before, I’ve changed the link on the draft so that it now goes to this one.