Commenting on an admission by former Labour Minister Kim Howells, that Tony Blair’s government deliberately ignored the ‘West Lothian Question’ when drawing up devolution plans, SNP MP Eilidh Whiteford said the comments underlined Labour’s ongoing constitutional confusion and head in the sand approach.
Giving evidence to McKay Commission on the West Lothian question, Dr Howells said Labour decided to “stay away from it” because it was “difficult”.
Commenting, Dr Whiteford said:
“Kim Howells admission underlines Labour’s ongoing constitutional confusion and head in the sand approach.
“Unlike Labour, who have no solutions, the SNP offers an elegant answer to the constitutional confusion – independence. Our governments at Westminster and Holyrood should make all their own decisions, working together in a modern partnership of equals.
“In the meantime, our MPs at Westminster address the West Lothian question by applying a self-denying ordinance. We only vote on issues which impact on Scotland.
“The West Lothian Question will not be resolved by fiddling with procedures in the antiquated old system at Westminster. There will always be anomalies under the current devolved set up.
“The question Labour now need to answer is why they think is it better having laws and decisions for Scotland made by over 90% of Westminster Parliamentarians, including Peers, not directly elected by people in Scotland instead of a Scottish Parliament 100% elected directly elected by people in Scotland?
“There is one clear solution to the West Lothian question – a 21st century partnership of equals with independence for Scotland.”
Giving evidence to McKay Commission on the West Lothian question, Dr Howells said Labour decided to “stay away from it” because it was “difficult”.
Commenting, Dr Whiteford said:
“Kim Howells admission underlines Labour’s ongoing constitutional confusion and head in the sand approach.
“Unlike Labour, who have no solutions, the SNP offers an elegant answer to the constitutional confusion – independence. Our governments at Westminster and Holyrood should make all their own decisions, working together in a modern partnership of equals.
“In the meantime, our MPs at Westminster address the West Lothian question by applying a self-denying ordinance. We only vote on issues which impact on Scotland.
“The West Lothian Question will not be resolved by fiddling with procedures in the antiquated old system at Westminster. There will always be anomalies under the current devolved set up.
“The question Labour now need to answer is why they think is it better having laws and decisions for Scotland made by over 90% of Westminster Parliamentarians, including Peers, not directly elected by people in Scotland instead of a Scottish Parliament 100% elected directly elected by people in Scotland?
“There is one clear solution to the West Lothian question – a 21st century partnership of equals with independence for Scotland.”
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