Former Scottish First Ministers to Provide Oral Evidence in Landmark Inquiry on Intergovernmental Relations
In a historic move, all living former First Ministers of Scotland, namely Nicola Sturgeon, Alex Salmond, Jack McConnell, and Henry McLeish, have agreed to provide oral evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee. The testimony will be part of the ongoing inquiry titled "Intergovernmental Relations: 25 years since the Scotland Act 1998," which delves into the structures governing relations between the UK and Scottish Governments.
The inquiry, initiated to mark a quarter-century since the implementation of the Scotland Act 1998, focuses on examining the intricacies of intergovernmental relations, particularly the newly introduced Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) framework in 2022.
Scheduled for the first half of 2024, the committee sessions will provide MPs with a unique opportunity to question the former First Ministers on their experiences regarding intergovernmental relations during their respective tenures. Notably, these leaders played pivotal roles during significant political events, including the 2014 independence referendum and the UK's departure from the European Union.
The Committee will also seek insights from former Secretaries of State for Scotland who have served since 1998. Written evidence has already been submitted by prominent figures like Tony Blair and Lord David Cameron, with former UK Government ministers and senior civil servants contributing to the inquiry's comprehensive assessment.
The inquiry goes beyond political figures, as leading academics from the University of Glasgow and University of Stirling have been consulted for their expert opinions on the effectiveness of current intergovernmental processes.
Former First Minister Alex Salmond is set to face questioning by the Committee on Monday, February 19, with the dates for the appearances of the other former First Ministers to be confirmed in due course.
Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee, Pete Wishart, expressed the significance of the inquiry, stating, "It's a clear demonstration of the importance of this work that all living former Scottish First Ministers have agreed to appear in front of the Committee." He further announced plans to invite all former UK Prime Ministers in power since the implementation of the Scotland Act to contribute to the inquiry, echoing the commitment shown by their Scottish counterparts.
This groundbreaking inquiry promises to shed light on the evolution of intergovernmental relations over the past quarter-century, offering valuable insights from key political figures who have shaped Scotland's political landscape during crucial periods in its history.
