Miliband: let Scots decide own policy

LABOUR should be free to form its own policies in Scotland, away from London control, party leadership candidate Ed Miliband said during a visit to the Scottish Parliament.

The former UK Energy Secretary met MSPs as part of his campaign in the five-way fight to succeed Gordon Brown.

Mr Miliband said: "The policy in Scotland for Scottish Labour should be decided in Scotland.

"Under my leadership we would lighten up about difference. The nature of devolution is about accepting that within the United Kingdom we can learn from each other and there will be particular policies and ideas that are appropriate for Scotland."

He cited the smoking ban and concessionary bus travel as initiatives pioneered by Scotland then taken up in England.

Asked about the UK coalition's "respect" agenda, which saw Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander quizzed by MSPs this week, Mr Miliband said: "There are always lessons you can learn about how to have a better working relationship, but the ultimate disrespect is what this government is going to do to public spending.

"Danny Alexander came before the committee, but he was trying to justify the unjustifiable."