Chancellor George Osborne: 'Strong fiscal deal reached'

Chancellor George Osborne has told the BBC that the fiscal framework agreement between the UK an Scottish government is a strong one.

The deal, which is the financial basis for new powers to be devolved as part of the Scotland Bill, was settled after Mr Osborne spoke to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on the phone.

After the formal announcement the chancellor said of the deal: "We have secured a stronger Scotland in a stronger UK.

"It delivers on the vow we made to the people of Scotland. It is fair to the taxpayers of all of the UK and it gives Scotland one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the world."