Two years ago the Steel Commission produced its first report setting out the framework for more powers for the Scottish Parliament. Today Lord Steel of Aikwood chaired the first meeting of the reconvened Steel Commission which will consider the next steps in developing a new settlement for Scotland.

Commenting after the meeting, Nicol Stephen MSP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland said:

“Thanks to the work of the Steel Commission, the Liberal Democrat approach to constitutional change has been both constructive and focused. Only the Liberal Democrats have offered a clear view of a more powerful Scottish Parliament. The chaotic meltdown of Labour and the Tories cosy relationship with the SNP means that only the Liberal Democrats are offering any effective opposition or scrutiny of the SNP government."

Speaking after the meeting in Edinburgh, Lord Steel said:

“Scotland’s future is too important to be left to the narrow nationalism of the SNP or the increasingly bizarre machinations of the tired and failing Labour Party.

“The Steel Commission report was the first to call for a review of devolution and therefore I warmly welcome the establishment of the Calman Commission. As part of our review of the Scotland Act, the Steel Commission will make a strong case to the Calman Commission for Scotland to gain new legislative and fiscal powers within the United Kingdom.

“No self-respecting parliament should exist permanently on a grant from another parliament. We have the opportunity for a radical review of the fiscal and legislative powers for the Scottish Parliament. I believe that this could deliver real benefits to the people of Scotland without the risk, cost and uncertainty of independence. All the evidence shows that that is what most people in Scotland want, and that will be the focus of our work over the coming months.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg MP said:

“The work of the Steel Commission is critical to Scotland’s future. While Gordon Brown and Wendy Alexander continue to tie themselves in knots on the constitution, the Liberal Democrats across the UK are working together to achieve more powers for Scotland within the UK. This is a serious issue that needs careful consideration. The Steel Commission will offer that in a way that Labour’s recent debacle has not.”