Proposed legislation to give new powers to the Scottish Parliament was published by the UK government on Friday. The plans to devolve financial, tax and other powers were set out after the “No” vote in September’s independence referendum. The legislation was based on the recommendations of the Smith Commission, set up by David Cameron, although the Westminster bill to deliver the new powers will not be enacted until after the UK election in May. Mr Cameron has claimed the proposed legislation, contained in a command paper, proves the so-called “vow” on new Holyrood powers made by the pro-Union parties ahead of the referendum has been delivered ahead of schedule.

In light of the new legislation, the Local Government Association has said that the PM needs to sort out devolution for England. The LGA said without change the English risked becoming “second-class citizens”, adding that proposals for an English Parliament or so-called English votes for English laws would not deliver “true devolution”.