Member

There are a few things to highlight in response to the questions that have been asked. The noble Lord, Lord Bruce, asked how this measure would be funded—and really wanted to draw me into some political debate in the run-up to the elections. I think that he and I agree about the need to ensure that there is an honest level of debate and openness about having two Governments in Scotland, in the run-up to the next election, and what that means. We are clear that being part of the union ensures that there are benefits to that—we are talking about benefits, but there are benefits—and funding comes from the people of Scotland and wider UK sources. We will have to ensure transparency, and I look forward to ensuring that in this Room in the months ahead, as we look at more of these but also in the inevitable debates in the run-up to the elections.