Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Leader of the Liberal Democrats at the Local Government Association, has called for a major devolution of power from Westminster after the result of the Scottish referendum was known.

“If it is right for more powers to be transferred to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, it is also right that more powers should be transferred away from Westminster to the regions, counties and cities of England.” says Gerald Vernon-Jackson.

“England is the most centralised state in western Europe and just giving more powers to English MPs does nothing to empower local communities and regions within England. Concentrating more power, and more decision making with MPs in London is not the right answer, passing power down to local areas of England has to be part of the constitutional changes that flow from this decision in Scotland.”

Also in the Sunday Times this weekend, Nick Clegg called for powers to be devolved to all parts of the UK and said he saw “no reason” why draft legislation for devolution on demand to councils in England should not be prepared for early next year. You can avoid the Times’ paywall by reading the article on the Lib Dem website: