Time to turn devolution into federalism
So for St Andrew's day we have the announcement of some more financial powers for the Scottish devolved executive and its regional council parliament.
But surely logic demands that the devolved governments should have responsibility for raising all the cash they spend, otherwise devolution will continue as a parasitic exercise bleeding the English dry.
There will be some debate as the SNP is really pursuing its goal of turning Scotland into a PIGS basket case and will never stop asking for more powers until there are none left or given away to Brussels. And of course as we are finding out yet again the English tax payer still has to fund out the Celtic fringe even when its been granted independence ( see our second bailout of the southern Irish state ).
Better that this is all done on a formal and equal basis, and overseen by the grown ups who will end up paying anyway ( ie the English ).
So how about a federal UK with division of powers and financial responsibilities clearly and fairly laid out. That means an English Parliament and an English government. But then we almost have those right now - its just no one dares say so.
A bit of honesty, clear thinking, and straight talking is needed.
But surely logic demands that the devolved governments should have responsibility for raising all the cash they spend, otherwise devolution will continue as a parasitic exercise bleeding the English dry.
There will be some debate as the SNP is really pursuing its goal of turning Scotland into a PIGS basket case and will never stop asking for more powers until there are none left or given away to Brussels. And of course as we are finding out yet again the English tax payer still has to fund out the Celtic fringe even when its been granted independence ( see our second bailout of the southern Irish state ).
Better that this is all done on a formal and equal basis, and overseen by the grown ups who will end up paying anyway ( ie the English ).
So how about a federal UK with division of powers and financial responsibilities clearly and fairly laid out. That means an English Parliament and an English government. But then we almost have those right now - its just no one dares say so.
A bit of honesty, clear thinking, and straight talking is needed.
