Tim Reid
Political correspondent, BBC News

tweets:, external SNP's Pete Wishart gets a cheer from MPs for uttering the word "welcome" to #smithcommission, but goes on to say Scotland is "disappointed"

Carmichael to Wishart: "It's about time he and his party came to terms with their loss" in the referendum vote #smithcommission

Shadow Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael again says the independence referendum should be accepted as a once in a generation vote.

He adds: "Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon said they would respect the outcome of the referendum. There is absolutely no reason from today for them to do anything other than make it clear that we will not be returning to this question in a referendum in a generation."

Mr Carmichael says the new powers will allow Scotland to design "a welfare system that is fit for purpose".

Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh added: "If we rush this we are at risk of throwing petrol on the embers of English resentment."

Conservative MP Andrew Robathan, in the debate on the Smith Commission in the House of Commons, says Scotland voted "against spiteful nationalist" but Smith Commission proposals will deliver greater UK separation.

Scottish Labour leadership candidate Jim Murphy says new welfare powers are "just as crucial" to Scotland as new tax powers.

He asks Mr Carmichael in the House of Commons to confirm that he wants to see devolution of those powers "at a pace and in a manner which will enable Scotland to challenge poverty and the generational disadvantage that blights far too many families".

Jim Roberton:, external Alistair Carmichael produces the Daily Record to support his argument on Smith. A lie, supported by another lie, does not make your case.

Dick Winchester:, external Alistair Carmichael now trying to drive a wedge between @JohnSwinney and other MSPs/SNP members. It won't work.

Nick Robinson
Political editor

'If you think today's constitutional changes are only about Scotland, think again.

Image source, Getty Images

'If you think they mark the end of a process of change, think again.

'If you think they will end the debate about Scottish independence, think again.'

Read Nick's blog.

Labour MP Graham Allen, chairman of the political and constitutional reform committee, says: "This is a great day for democracy. What's good enough for Scotland is good enough for England."

Conservative MP John Redwood asks Mr Carmichael if he agrees that once Scotland is determining its own income tax rates in the Scottish parliament, it would be "quite wrong for Scottish members of this parliament to fix the bands and rates for the English".

Mr Carmichael says: "Income tax remains a tax that is shared between the two parliaments.".

Some Tory MPs respond with cries of "rubbish".

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones says it would now be discriminatory if air passenger duty was not devolved to Wales like it is in Scotland.

Plaid Cymru meanwhile, have welcomed the Smith Commission but says it doesn't fulfil the 'vow' made in the last days of the referendum campaign.

The Free Church of Scotland has welcomed the Smith Commission proposal to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in future Scottish elections and the beginning of a process to devolve abortion.

James Fraser CBE, chairman of the Free Church's Board of Trustees, commented: "We are pleased that the Smith Commission is recommending that young people aged 16 and upwards be able to vote in future Scottish elections.

Image source, David Cheskin

"This was an interesting by-product of the referendum debate, and it is excellent that it will now become a permanent feature of politics in Scotland. It will hopefully go a considerable way to maintaining the momentum of the political debate."

On the issue of abortion, Mr Fraser added: "We are also pleased that the Smith Commission has put the devolving of abortion powers on the table. We are completely at a loss to think of any good reason for devolving health on the one hand, but reserving abortion policy on the other."

Graeme, Glasgow: We need to remember that nobody voted for the findings of the Smith Commission. It may be that they reflect the wishes of the Scottish people but until they are asked we can never know. The changes proposed are far too significant to be imposed on the Scottish people by a cross-party group of politicians who all want more powers to Scotland to increase their own influence.

Wilma Davidson: Interesting to read this morning about the recommendations of the Smith Commission. Disappointed to see there has been no discussion throughout this whole process of The Scottish Six, or broadcasting in Scotland in general. Scotland needs more local news and current affairs produced here in Scotland, for Scotland.

Mr Carmichael responds to Mr Hosie's claim, saying: "There are significant job creating powers and the Scottish parliament already holds significant job creating powers."

Tim Reid
Political correspondent, BBC News

tweets:, external PM on Smith Commission: "Report makes the case for English votes for English laws unanswerable". Says proposals published before Christmas.

He also states that the Smith Commission will achieve a "better balance in the UK".

SNP deputy leader Stewart Hosie says he notes the absence of "further substantive job creating powers" in the Smith recommendations.

Lucy Adams
BBC Scotland

tweets:, external #smithcommission Scottish Parliament will have the power to prevent proliferation of Payday Loan shops

Better Together leader Alistair Darling welcomes the recommendations but asks Alistair Carmichael to "ensure he does nothing to undermine the strength and integrity of the United Kingdom".

The Scottish Secretary says the Smith recommendations will be implemented "without hesitation, without reservation and without equivocation".

Mr Carmichael pays tribute to the Scottish Labour party for the "compromises and progress they have made".