Peter Riddell

Even if it’s a No vote, the fall out will be very complicated

From our UK edition

The most startling development over the past few days has not only been the narrowing of the polls but the consequential commitment of the three UK party leaders to Gordon Brown’s accelerated timetable for agreeing more devolution. Whether or not it convinces voters, this promise will have far-reaching effects not just for Scotland but also

Whitehall needs reform – and the Prime Minister needs to lead it

From our UK edition

James Forsyth is right. Whitehall does need reforming. But he is wrong to present this in stark terms of ministers versus mandarins. The real position is more complicated, and not nearly as negative. First, the positives. The Civil Service has delivered an unprecedented scale of cuts in the spending reviews, and in staff numbers with