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Union backs more Holyrood powers | Union backs more Holyrood powers |
(about 19 hours later) | |
Trade union leaders have called for a campaign to increase the financial powers of the Scottish Parliament. | |
Unison's Scottish Council discussed the issue in response to the Scottish Government's "national conversation" on independence. | |
The public sector union wants powers in areas such as equal opportunities, energy and broadcasting to be devolved. | |
On Friday, the Scottish Labour leader called for a constitutional commission to examine the devolution settlement. | |
Wendy Alexander said the body should consider introducing more tax-raising powers for Holyrood. | |
The SNP said her speech made a referendum on Scotland's future more likely in this parliamentary term. | The SNP said her speech made a referendum on Scotland's future more likely in this parliamentary term. |
At the meeting in Glasgow, Unison delegates from across Scotland backed further devolution from Westminster. | |
Its leaders believe there is potential for some powers to be transferred on immigration and public sector pensions, as well as extending powers over public borrowing and tax-raising. | |
'Broad consensus' | |
The union urged other organisations who support the idea to join together and build a campaign. | |
Unison's Scottish convenor Mike Kirby said: "With the increase in the level of debate on this issue, we think that now is the time to begin to build a broad consensus of people and groups across Scottish society with similar aims. | |
"Devolution means that we should look at the powers of Holyrood from time to time. | |
"After two full terms of the Scottish Parliament, this seems like a good opportunity to do so, and we will be discussing with our branches and members what they consider could usefully be decided both in Edinburgh and more locally." | |
The Scottish Labour party will bring forward a motion in the Scottish Parliament this week to secure support for a devolution review commission. |