Scots must unite for Devo Max

Thousands of Labour, Liberal and SNP supporters are represented in the Scottish Parliament by a minority Scottish Government. Are they now prepared to demand a rational, radical combined move in the Scottish Parliament? A move that can help the welfare of our people in Scotland.

The cuts the Westminster government are to impose in Scotland next year in conjunction with the biased Calman report are to be savage. However, they will not be imposed until next year.

Early this autumn, when the extent of the cuts has been quantified, the Scottish Parliament must be prepared to take decisive action.

This action should include promoting a referendum on whether the Scottish people want the crippling Calman report proposals or maximum devolution.

Maximum devolution could mean all the taxation resources raised in Scotland, are paid into a Scottish Exchequer.

This Scottish Exchequer should be mindful of the fact that 25 years of massive North Sea oil resources have greatly helped to keep the British economy floating, yet we still have a dramatic need for regeneration in Scotland.

By the Scottish Parliament deciding to keep much of the remaining half of the Scottish oil for Scotland's benefit, to regenerate our economy, especially our industry, we can then ensure that in 25 years' time when the oil begins to run out, we can also have the highest and most practical source of green energy in the whole of Europe.

We can also help the people of England by actively opposing further development of Trident and refusing to provide the money for any future illegal wars.

Without the burden of Britain's past Imperial Glory, the people of England will also suffer less economic hardship.

The question that has to be asked is "can the Scots in our Parliament combine to act in the interests of all our people". For once, can they forget their party differences and act in the interests of our nation?

Cllr Gordon Murray, Motherwell