Gordon Brown is poised to make a major intervention in the battle over Scotland’s future – with proposals for a series of changes to the nation’s relationship with the rest of the UK.
The ex-prime minister will admit in a speech today that Scots “want change” – but will argue the future of the Union should be based on “reform, not abolition”.
In a surprise move, he will outline the first of a set of proposals to hand more powers to Holyrood, creating what he labels a new “union for social justice”.
He will also claim income tax would need to rise by 10p to plug the SNP’s budget “black hole”, and nationalists had failed to factor in a £500million cost in being an EU member.
His alternative vision would include maximising devolution of powers over training, transport, health, and the Crown Estates Commission – which owns the coastline and seabed.
The Fife MP will also suggest legislation that clearly states the purpose of the Union, which he believes should be “the pooling and sharing of resources for social justice”.
New powers to ensure joint working between the Scottish and UK parliaments will be proposed.
He will say: “The party that created a powerful Scottish Parliament is best placed to strengthen devolution and to create a stronger Scottish Parliament in a stronger UK.”