10 Questions for the Pro-Union Parties on the Pledge of "More Powers".

So, the Tories, Lib-Dems and Labour have got together to make a joint-pledge on “more powers” for Holyrood if we vote No.

Tories, Labour and Lib Dem leaders pledging "more powers".

We have some questions for you:

1.       Pledges are always good, aren’t they? We can remember previous Lib-Dem Pledges.  Like this one:

Lib Dem MP, Danny Alexander, signing a Pledge he and his party spectacularly broke

Why should we take this Lib-Dem Pledge seriously?

2.       You had an opportunity to get Devo Max onto the referendum ballot paper, but all three of you declined to back proposals.  What has concentrated your minds now?

3.       Never mind, you have got together now.  So, what stopped you getting your joint proposals into the Queen’s Speech? The Queen's Speech sets out the government’s agenda for the coming session, outlining proposed policies and legislation; two of you – the Tories and the Lib-Dems – are in the government.  Why were your proposed “extra powers” not in the Queen’s Speech?

4.       Could it be that you weren’t quite so worried then about losing the referendum?  That’s understandable. Oh, but, hold on, once we’ve voted No, you won’t be worried any more, will you?  How can we be sure you won’t forget your sudden joint enthusiasm?  (Don’t say “Pledge” again.  Remember, we’ve seen your Pledges before).

5.       And if you are so keen now on “extra powers”, isn’t that an admission that the UK doesn’t work very well as it stands?

6.       Even if we believe that you will deliver on this Pledge, will any of the “extra powers” get rid of nuclear weapons for us?

7.       Will any of the “extra powers” enable us to defend the Welfare State by giving Scotland power over all welfare, benefits and pensions?

8.       Will any of the “extra powers” enable us to renationalise the Royal Mail?

9.       Will any of the “extra powers” keep Scotland out of illegal wars?

10.   If “extra powers” are so great, why don’t we just go the whole hog and claim them all, rather than wait to see what we are given, if and when Westminster decides to grant them?

The fact is, we don’t really know what we’re being offered; we’d be voting for a pig in a poke.  And we don’t trust you to deliver anyway.  The only way we can be sure of getting powers that will make a difference to things we care about is to vote Yes on September 18^th.