Politics

Dominic Raab on Scottish referendum: If Scotland wants more freedom it needs greater responsibility

September 19, 2014
Politicians are failing to celebrate our common identity. © The Laird of Oldham
Politicians are failing to celebrate our common identity. © The Laird of Oldham

It's good news the Scots have decided to remain British. I am very open-minded to the calls for further devolution. But, many south of the border feel that this has been a rather exclusive debate so far, even though it affects the whole of Britain. Any new deal for Scotland must be fair and reasonable for the whole union. I can't see it getting through Parliament unless we resolve the democratic deficit facing English voters, and the arbitrary funding under the Barnett Formula that prejudices all other parts of the UK. If Scotland wants more financial freedom it must accept greater financial responsibility.