PM defends Union and says it would be 'crazy' for Scotland to go it alone

The Prime Minister's defence of the Union came as politicians north and south of the Border marked the anniversary with fresh wrangling over Britain's constitutional future.

There has been some disquiet over the failure of the government to organise any formal commemorations or celebrations to mark the tercentenary of the signing of the act in Edinburgh.

But Mr Blair said: "The most important thing is not fireworks but argument, and giving a coherent reason as to why the Union of England and Scotland is good for today's world and the future."

He insisted both countries benefited "enormously" in areas such as jobs and security, and he said it would be "crazy for Scotland to be wrenched out of the United Kingdom".

Mr Blair also stressed the benefits to England of the Union, a change from the past when he has simply emphasised how much Scotland gets out of the deal. "In commerce, in trade, in security and above all in shared values, the Union of England and Scotland continues to be good for England, good for Scotland and right for the future of Britain, so we should celebrate today with pride," he said.

Setting up a separate English parliament would be "unworkable" and "unnecessary" he said, despite a BBC Newsnight poll which showed 61 per cent of people south of the Border supported an English parliament - a higher level of backing than a fully independent Scottish parliament receives in Scotland.

Mr Blair also dismissed calls for Scots MPs to be banned from voting on English-only legislation. "There is a UK parliament. There should be one class of UK MP. It's a completely unworkable situation to have two different classes of MP," he said.

Douglas Alexander, the Scottish Secretary, elaborated on this theme on BBC Radio 4, claiming there was no mood in Scotland to break up the Union.

He said: "I think when people focus on the real choice, they will recognise that the combination of economic links, family ties and shared values that have served this union well will actually serve Scotland and England well in the future."

It emerged yesterday that, within a month, Mr Blair and Gordon Brown, the Chancellor, are to lead a new offensive against the SNP and its plans to break up the Union. Mr Blair, Mr Brown, Mr Alexander and Jack McConnell, the First Minister, are understood to have decided on the strategy at a meeting in Downing Street.

The Prime Minister is becoming increasingly worried by the SNP's ongoing success in opinion polls.

Union gold bought and sold at 395 for limited edition 2 coin

COMMEMORATIVE 2 coins to mark the 300th anniversary of the Act of Union were launched last night - at a cost of 395 each.

That sum will buy one of just 750 gold versions of the coin, said the Royal Mint. A silver version with a limited issue of 10,000 will sell for 29.95.

The cheapest will be the "brilliant uncirculated" coin, of which 100,000 will be struck. This will sell for 7.45, said the mint.

One side of the coin carries elements of a rose for England, a thistle for Scotland and a portcullis representing parliament, entwined in jigsaw fashion. The other features a portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley.

Five artists were invited to take part in the design competition and the winner was Aberdeen-born Yvonne Holton, principal artist with Scotland's heraldic authority, the Court of the Lord Lyon.

Nationalists urge Scots to recognise 'Right to Choose'

IN EDINBURGH, the SNP launched a poster proclaiming: "1707 - No right to choose. 2007 - The right to choose."

Alex Salmond, the party leader, said: "Those in the London parties who would deny the people their right to choose are the political reincarnation of the 'parcel of rogues' of 1707 who sold Scotland away.

"Over 80 per cent of Scots believe that a referendum - putting the people in charge of the process - is the right way to decide Scotland's future."

Nicola Sturgeon, the deputy leader of the SNP, compared the event to what she claimed were lacklustre celebrations of the Union.

She said: "There is no great appetite to celebrate the Union, what people want now is to look to the future."

Annabel Goldie, the leader of the Scottish Tories, viewed the Act of Union in the National Archives.

But Tavish Scott, for the Lib Dems, rounded on the SNP. He said: "The people of Scotland have had the right to choose at seven elections in 20."

Blair reveals he will stay on at No10 beyond Holyrood elections

TONY Blair yesterday said he would stay on in Downing Street beyond the Scottish elections into the summer.

In remarks that will anger Chancellor Gordon Brown and his supporters, the Prime Minister told journalists he wanted to attend an EU summit this summer.

When asked at his monthly press conference if he would be going to Brussels for the meeting on 21 June, he replied: "Of course."

He also indicated his intention to play a full part in Labour's Holyrood campaign, as would other Cabinet ministers.

Mr Blair is controversially holding a political Cabinet while the Chancellor and his key ally, Alistair Darling, are on a tour of India.

The premier yesterday refused to be drawn into commenting on signs that some ministers would like him to speed up his retirement in an effort to revive Labour's fortunes before the elections in Scotland and Wales this May.

Mr Blair told last autumn's Labour Party conference that it would be the last he addressed as leader and Prime Minister.

But yesterday he said his diary was brimming with initiatives in the months ahead, apparently scotching the prospect of an early exit from Downing Street.

However, he admitted the government needed to revive its sense of leadership and energy.

And he agreed with the analysis of David Miliband, the Environment Secretary, seen as the natural successor to lead the Blairite faction, that Labour would have to "defy political gravity" to win a fourth general election. Supporters of Mr Brown will be furious that the Prime Minister suggested voters were "bored" with Labour.