The SNP has today [Saturday] welcomed comments made by the former Prime Minister John Major in a speech today where he argued for the devolution of more powers to Scotland. SNP Campaigns Director and Westminster Leader Angus Robertson MP described it as a ‘serious contribution’ to the constitutional debate.

In a speech to the Ditchley Foundation the former Conservative PM said:

"Why not devolve all responsibilities except foreign policy, defence and management of the economy? Why not let Scotland have wider tax-raising powers to pay for their policies and, in return, abolish the present block grant settlement, reduce Scottish representation in the Commons, and cut the legislative burden at Westminster?

His comments follow other positive contributions from Labour politicians such as Labour peer Helena Kennedy, Lord George Foulkes and the Labour MP Eric Joyce.

Commenting Angus Robertson said:

“These are welcome comments to the constitutional debate and a really serious contribution.

“Sir John Major has travelled a great distance since his time as Prime Minister. These comments put forward a positive unionist alternative as we approach a referendum.

“They are necessary to the constitutional debate we will have and stand in marked difference to a number of unionists who offer only negativity.

“It is refreshing to see these recent contributions from a number of Labour and Conservative politicians which contrast with the LibDems who have stranded themselves on a unionist beach failing to even promote their own constitutional policies.”

The SNP has today [Saturday] welcomed comments made by the former Prime Minister John Major in a speech today where he argued for the devolution of more powers to Scotland. SNP Campaigns Director and Westminster Leader Angus Robertson MP described it as a ‘serious contribution’ to the constitutional debate.

In a speech to the Ditchley Foundation the former Conservative PM said:

"Why not devolve all responsibilities except foreign policy, defence and management of the economy? Why not let Scotland have wider tax-raising powers to pay for their policies and, in return, abolish the present block grant settlement, reduce Scottish representation in the Commons, and cut the legislative burden at Westminster?

His comments follow other positive contributions from Labour politicians such as Labour peer Helena Kennedy, Lord George Foulkes and the Labour MP Eric Joyce.

Commenting Angus Robertson said:

“These are welcome comments to the constitutional debate and a really serious contribution.

“Sir John Major has travelled a great distance since his time as Prime Minister. These comments put forward a positive unionist alternative as we approach a referendum.

“They are necessary to the constitutional debate we will have and stand in marked difference to a number of unionists who offer only negativity.

“It is refreshing to see these recent contributions from a number of Labour and Conservative politicians which contrast with the LibDems who have stranded themselves on a unionist beach failing to even promote their own constitutional policies.”