Alex Salmond

The Scottish Government unveiled its legislative programme for the new Parliamentary session last week.  Much comment has focused on its narrow or worthy scope, with bills on such matters as the double-jeopardy rule, maintaining Scottish Water’s position in the public sector but enabling it to attract more private sector capital, increasing the sanctions for forced marriage, and reducing charges for cremation certificates.  The centrepiece of the legislative programme will be the budget bill – a bill which has to be considered every year and isn’t a matter of choice for a government. Read more...