| CHAPTER 12 |
| CONCLUSION |
12.1 The Government believe that the proposals set out in this White Paper, which are an essential element of and first step in their comprehensive programme of constitutional reform, will be widely welcomed.
12.2 This White Paper does not aim to settle every detail of how the Scottish Parliament will work. It is right that the Scottish Parliament, once in being, should have the necessary room to evolve in its own way, rather than be forced along a rigid predetermined path. Wherever it makes sense to do so, the Government wish to leave matters open for subsequent decision by the Scottish Parliament itself. The focus of this White Paper has therefore been on creating a framework which will both safeguard the Scottish Parliament and give it room for growth.
12.3 The Government believe that the establishment of a Scottish Parliament on the basis set out here will be good for Scotland, and good for the UK; responding to the wishes of the people of Scotland for a greater say in their affairs can only strengthen democracy in this country.