David Cameron has decided that, in the event of Scotland voting against independence, a new constitutional convention will be established to examine the instabilities (and injustices) that affect the current structure. Any political party that does not derive partisan advantage from the current set-up would recognise that 'bilateral devolution' is limited and would wish to rebalance the powers of devolved assemblies and Westminster.
Johann Lamont, the Scottish Labour leader, told the MPs devolution is not a “human shield against nationalism” and a further transfer of powers should be considered completely separately from Scotland remaining part of the UK
The Telegraph reports that the convention is being established against the backdrop of the SNP devolved government. Its aims are to define a unitary state and what can be undertaken by national or provincial administrations and municipal authorities. An attempt to deal with the West Lothian question will also be undertaken.
One concern is that Cameron prefers the convention to acquire a permanent existence: acting as an arbiter for the Constitution. That should reside with the law courts, a proper Supreme Court for the entire land. It marks a further step towards the adoption of Montesquieu, the world following the book.