At the third meeting of the Commission on Scottish Devolution, held today (30 June) at the Scottish Parliament, members discussed initial submissions and further plans for direct public engagement.

The Chairman, Sir Kenneth Calman, said:

"It was business as usual at our third meeting, with Cathy Jamieson MSP, Nicol Stephen MSP, Annabel Goldie MSP and Des Browne MP all confirming their continued support for the work of this independent Commission.

"All the task groups provided updates to the Commission. We agreed an approach for exploring the relationship between the Scottish Parliament and the UK Parliament, recognising that Europe will be also be an important aspect. Our thinking on principles developed and we gave further consideration to how we will examine improving the financial accountability of the Scottish Parliament. We also discussed our plans for direct public engagement.

"We enjoyed reading and discussing the wide-ranging submissions that we have already received. The experience and views of the people of Scotland and the wider UK are at the heart of our work. It is impossible to fulfil our remit without seeking out and considering those views.

"Members are keen to go out and meet the people of Scotland and ask them how the Scottish Parliament could better serve them. We are committed to taking an evidence-based approach to strengthening devolution and will listen to all voices. We explored ways in which this could be done and will shortly be making an announcement."

The next full meeting of the Commission will take place on 24 July.

The Commission has requested formal written submissions on matters within its remit by 3 September. Further information is available on the Engage section of this website.