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Scotland to have most powerful devolved parliament globally: British PM

Xinhua, September 18, 2015 Adjust font size:

British Prime Minister David Cameron said Friday the Scottish Parliament will become one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the world.

Cameron's comment came in a statement issued by 10 Downing Street to mark the first anniversary of the referendum which saw Scottish people vote to remain as part of Britain.

Following the referendum, the British government committed to delivering added powers to Scotland.

In Friday's statement, Downing Street said the prime minister had made clear he is focused on delivering devolution so that the debate can move on from what powers the Scottish Parliament should have, to how they are used to better the lives of the people of Scotland.

He also set out that the Westminster government will shortly table an amendment to the Scotland Bill to put beyond doubt that Holyrood, the Edinburgh home of the Scottish Parliament, is here to stay.

Cameron said: "One year ago, Scotland's majority spoke. More Scots voted to keep our kingdom united than have ever voted for any party in any election in Scottish history. They voted decisively for a powerful Scottish Parliament within a strong and secure United Kingdom. Scottish devolution is woven into the very fabric of our United Kingdom."

"We will table an amendment to the Scotland Bill so there is absolutely no doubt: Holyrood is here to stay," he added.

The Scottish Nationalist Party(SNP)'s Alex Salmond, its current leader Nicola Sturgeon and Cameron signed the Edinburgh Agreement which pledged the outcome of last year's momentous vote would be respected.

"We all agreed -- as do the Scottish public -- that the independence referendum should be a 'once in a generation' or a 'once in a lifetime' event," added Cameron, saying, "Now it is time to move on."

He added: "Some may want to obsess about separation. But I am focused on delivering devolution so that the debate can move on from what powers the Scottish Parliament should have, to how they are used to better the lives of the people of Scotland."

"Today, on the anniversary of that historic vote, we are delivering a new, accountable and permanent Scottish Parliament. Holyrood will be one of the most powerful devolved Parliaments in the world," he said.

Elections for the 129-seat Scottish Parliament take place next May. Currently the SNP, as the largest party with 64 seats, is in control of the Scottish government. Enditem