McLeish backs SNP debate on independence

Published on Saturday 22 March 2008 18:46

FORMER Labour first minister Henry McLeish will this week give his support to the SNP's "national conversation" on independence for Scotland.

But Labour MSPs last night dismissed claims that the SNP had scored a coup by winning McLeish to their cause, declaring he was "discredited" in the eyes of the public. They also accused Alex Salmond of wasting taxpayers' money on a cause that has no mandate.

This week, Salmond will launch what he describes as the second phase of the "conversation" at Edinburgh University. Ministers say they want to involve Scotland's "great institutions".

McLeish, who ran the former Scottish Executive from 2000 to 2001, said: "We need an open and inclusive conversation to discuss our future, one in which all the positive options are included – the current devolution settlement, more powers, independence and also a form of federalism."

He added: "The key thing is that these ideas are debated in terms of how they will deliver a better quality of life for everyone who lives in Scotland – better health, housing, economic performance and education. The national conversation and constitutional development should be the means to these vital ends."

But Labour MSP Lord Foulkes said: "I think he is discredited. People will just say, 'Oh well, there goes Henry again'."

Parallel to the SNP's "conversation", Labour, the LibDems and the Tories have set up a constitutional commission to study devolution.