The FT devotes a full page to an assessment of devolution ahead of the Scottish and Welsh elections in May.

The paper concludes that despite teething problems both assemblies have established themselves as permanent fixtures and that voters would like to see their powers extended.

Lord Steel, the presiding officer at the Scottish parliament, says devolution is "closing the gap between politicians and the public".

The Greater London Authority also needs more power in order to avoid the office of mayor becoming "little more than an elected think tank", according to a Constitution Unit report.

John Prescott announced yesterday that referendums on forming the first English regional assemblies will be held within three years.

The assemblies would be responsible for economic, transport and housing policy.