Henry McLeish: Last chance saloon for Union politics

The former First Minister of Scotland gives us his verdict on the consequences of the independence referendum.

“A NO victory with a substantial YES vote provides enormous opportunities for achieving a better deal for Scotland, a transformed structure for the governing of the UK and the creation of a debate around a federal structure affording the four nations shared sovereignty and shared power to self-determine their futures and realise their potential.

“The people of Scotland must however retain ownership of the process of change and not leave it entirely to Westminster. This may require a modern constitutional convention.

“The Holyrood Parliament has to be involved alongside Civic Scotland, the political parties and Government. The legacy of the last two-and-a-half years should not be squandered.

“The people of the UK need a similar conversation and this could be achieved through a form of constitutional convention or national dialogue. We need more trust, respect, tolerance, understanding and less tribalism and some confidence and consensus as we look for a way forward.

“This shouldn’t be just about Scotland. A short-term solution for Scotland will not, on its own, be enough.

“The UK is the problem, not Scotland. Without a new Union, Scotland will continue to be the focus of debate and look increasingly isolated if there are no proposals for the rest of the UK.

“Centralised power at Westminster has had its day and has taken the Union to the brink, but fortunately by the most uncomfortable of margins it has held on to Scotland.

“This is now the last chance saloon for Union politics. After this extraordinary referendum campaign, Scotland is well placed to drive reform not only for a better Scotland but for a more relevant and credible Union.

“The referendum outcome has substantially strengthened Scotland’s overall position within the Union and its bargaining power in negotiating a more powerful package of powers for the Scottish Parliament.

“Certainly the Union and Westminster are weaker.

“Scotland is well-placed to become a good natured battering ram for the transformation of the United Kingdom and Scotland’s role within a new political order.”