Labour’s leaked draft manifesto commits the party to opposing a second independence referendum – but it stops short of offering Kezia Dugdale’s proposed new Act of Union.
It does pledge a Constitutional Convention on further devolution as set out by the Scottish Labour leader at the end of last year as part of plans for a federal structure for the UK.
But her suggestion of new legislation “to safeguard our family of nations for generations to come” is not mentioned.
In December, Ms Dugdale said she would not want the convention to “just deliberate and report”, but to produce a new act.
But asked about it the following month, Jeremy Corbyn said he would “not use the words new Act of Union”.
The version of the draft seen by the Press and Journal says Labour would establish the convention “to take forward the debate about a new constitutional settlement for the entire UK, with England as much as a priority as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland”.
In a section entitled Scotland, it adds: “Labour opposes a second Scottish independence referendum and will campaign tirelessly to ensure that the desire to remain a part of the UK is respected.”
It also proposes creating a Scottish National Bank under Scottish control, backed by the National Investment Bank with £20billion of lending power and carrying the HS2 high speed rail line on into Scotland.
Additionally, an inquiry into blacklisting would be set up and Holyrood urged to hold an inquiry into the actions of Scottish police forces during the miners’ strikes.
On Brexit, the leaked manifesto – the final, official version of which is expected to be published next week – says Labour would seek a deal that “delivers for all regions and nations of the UK”.
It adds: “We will introduce a ‘presumption of devolution’ where powers transferred from the EU will go straight to the relevant region or nation.”
Asked about the draft, a Scottish Labour spokesman said: “Kezia Dugdale has called for a constitutional convention and a new Act of Union.
“The UK Labour party is committed to deliberating on these issues.”
Meanwhile, the SNP’s Tommy Sheppard said the leak showed how “divided and chaotic” the party is.
Miles Briggs, the Scottish Conservative candidate in Edinburgh South West, added: “Just as Labour can’t seem to publish a manifesto properly, nor can we trust a word they say on the union.”