Foulkes goes to war with 'ConDems'

LOTHIANS Labour MSP George Foulkes says he will help mount a robust fight against the UK coalition in the House of Lords after he steps down next year.

Confirming he will not stand for re-election to the Scottish Parliament, he said he would concentrate his political activity in Westminster's second chamber.

Lord Foulkes, once an Edinburgh councillor, served as an MP for 26 years and was elected unexpectedly to Holyrood via the Lothians list in 2007.

Since then he has acquired a reputation as a "Hammer of the Nats".

Now he plans to turn his fire on the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition at Westminster.

He said: "I intend to join the growing group of Labour Peers who believe we must mount an even more robust campaign in the Lords against a ConDem coalition, which is increasingly arrogant and insensitive.

"I am sad to be leaving in some ways but will work closely with my former colleagues and new members from my seat on the red benches."