Scottish Greens leader Patrick Harvie MSP, from Dumbarton, said: “This package falls short of the complete autonomy many hoped for but it does have potential.
“There will now be no hiding room on the troubling issue of fracking. Scotland will look to its own government to protect communities from this unwanted and destructive new wave of fossil fuel extraction.” Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Willie Rennie MSP said: “You might call this big deal Vow Max as this all party agreement delivers on the vow – and more.” Meanwhile Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP said: “Today’s announcement on new powers will make Holyrood one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the world.” CBI general director John Cridland was happy that corporation tax would remain a reserved issue with Westminster but was unhappy that air passenger duty would be devolved, claiming it would create a bidding war UK regions.
Management at Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports made a joint submission to the Smith Commission calling for the matter to be devolved and eventually abolished, claiming the tax is a significant barrier to growth and damages tourism.
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