11/11/2008
No Plans To Remove The Scottish Government's Nuclear Veto
The Scotland Government is to hold on to planning powers to veto the building of new nuclear power stations despite a UK Government submission to the Calman Commission on devolution warning this could undermine UK energy policy.
The Scottish Government has planning powers under devolution which may be used to prevent large-scale building projects.
Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy spoke of the importance of Scotland retaining control over planning, he told he BBC's Newsnight Scotland programme: "The Scottish Parliament has power over planning policy and that's important that they have that power.
"But the UK Government has power over energy policy - that's the established devolution settlement.
"I think what we're saying today in our evidence is that we have to look to see if we can have better working relations so that both parliaments and both governments can work in the interests of Scotland."
Calman Comission individual reports does not make formal recommendations but the most commonly expressed view by Whitehall departments was that things are working well and there are no calls for major change.
However the report says the UK Government remains open to proposals and to adjustments to the settlement further to strengthen devolution.
Speaking to the BBC a spokesman for the Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said: "The Labour Government are offering nothing, will try to take powers back if they can, and are rendering the whole Calman exercise farcical."
(GK/JM)
The Scottish Government has planning powers under devolution which may be used to prevent large-scale building projects.
Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy spoke of the importance of Scotland retaining control over planning, he told he BBC's Newsnight Scotland programme: "The Scottish Parliament has power over planning policy and that's important that they have that power.
"But the UK Government has power over energy policy - that's the established devolution settlement.
"I think what we're saying today in our evidence is that we have to look to see if we can have better working relations so that both parliaments and both governments can work in the interests of Scotland."
Calman Comission individual reports does not make formal recommendations but the most commonly expressed view by Whitehall departments was that things are working well and there are no calls for major change.
However the report says the UK Government remains open to proposals and to adjustments to the settlement further to strengthen devolution.
Speaking to the BBC a spokesman for the Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said: "The Labour Government are offering nothing, will try to take powers back if they can, and are rendering the whole Calman exercise farcical."
(GK/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 March 2013
Record High For Scotland's Renewable Energy
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has said Scotland generated 7% more renewable energy in 2012 than the previous year. In its latest report, it said 14,600 Gigawatt hours were generated in Scotland from renewable energy sources such as wind and hydro.
Record High For Scotland's Renewable Energy
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has said Scotland generated 7% more renewable energy in 2012 than the previous year. In its latest report, it said 14,600 Gigawatt hours were generated in Scotland from renewable energy sources such as wind and hydro.
12 May 2010
Scots Trust In UK Government 'Wavers'
The 2009 Scottish Social Attitudes Survey reveals that people trust the Scottish Government to act in Scotland's best interests rather than the UK government by a factor of more than two-to-one. The survey shows 61 per cent of people trusting the Scottish Government to act in Scotland's interests, compared to 25 per cent for the UK government.
Scots Trust In UK Government 'Wavers'
The 2009 Scottish Social Attitudes Survey reveals that people trust the Scottish Government to act in Scotland's best interests rather than the UK government by a factor of more than two-to-one. The survey shows 61 per cent of people trusting the Scottish Government to act in Scotland's interests, compared to 25 per cent for the UK government.
08 February 2011
Scottish Government Publish Lockerbie Documents
With the publication of papers by the UK Government related to the case of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, the Scottish Government have released the final documents it can publish which primarily relate to notes of meetings and calls between Scottish and UK Ministers in 2007 and 2008.
Scottish Government Publish Lockerbie Documents
With the publication of papers by the UK Government related to the case of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, the Scottish Government have released the final documents it can publish which primarily relate to notes of meetings and calls between Scottish and UK Ministers in 2007 and 2008.
26 October 2009
Pylon Line Proposals 'To Get Green Light'
Plans for a new £400m transmission line which would run from Beauly to Denny is expected to be granted approval from the Scottish Government, it has been reported. According to BBC Scotland 600 pylons, up to 200ft in height, would be required to connect renewable power projects in the Highlands to the national grid.
Pylon Line Proposals 'To Get Green Light'
Plans for a new £400m transmission line which would run from Beauly to Denny is expected to be granted approval from the Scottish Government, it has been reported. According to BBC Scotland 600 pylons, up to 200ft in height, would be required to connect renewable power projects in the Highlands to the national grid.
09 November 2012
Scottish Referendum Question Confirmed
The exact wording of the Scottish independence question has been announced. The Scottish government has confirmed what question will be put before the people of Scotland when they are asked to vote on the independence referendum.
Scottish Referendum Question Confirmed
The exact wording of the Scottish independence question has been announced. The Scottish government has confirmed what question will be put before the people of Scotland when they are asked to vote on the independence referendum.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.