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Home / Election result requires 'early delivery' of new powers for Scotland

Election result requires 'early delivery' of new powers for Scotland

By agency reporter
May 12, 2015

Scotland's unprecedented General Election result should lead to the early delivery of the Smith Commission Agreement, according to the convener of the Church of Scotland's Church and Society council, speaking on 8 May.

The Rev Sally Foster-Fulton said: "The results of yesterday's General Election are remarkable by any stretch of the imagination and start a new chapter in our history as a country.

"As a Church we wish to offer our congratulations to the Prime Minister and wish him well in the task of forming his new government. The next five years will be important ones in the United Kingdom with the likelihood of a referendum on our continued membership of the European Union, proposals to renew Trident, and the ongoing impact of welfare reform and benefit cuts amongst key issues that we are already aware of – and are concerned about.

"As a Church we will seek, alongside others, to engage constructively and work with the Government, on these and other issues in the service of the common good. Running through all that we will do is our calling to follow Jesus, Son of God, Friend of the Poor and Prince of Peace.

"We also offer our congratulations to the Scottish National Party on what they have achieved. The issue of Scotland's relationship with the rest of the United Kingdom will clearly be a vitally important issue over the coming weeks, months and years. It is imperative that the clear way in which Scotland has voted is recognised by the new government at Westminster. An early step in achieving this will be delivery of the new powers for Scotland promised in the Smith Commission Agreement. It must also include a commitment on the part of both governments to work together for the people of Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

"Both governments will remain in my prayers and in the prayers of so many in our Church. We look forward to debating many of the issues central to those facing the new government during our General Assembly later this month."

*Church of Scotland http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/home

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