A new campaign for “meaningful and sustainable home rule” in Scotland has been launched amid fears political parties may engage in agenda driven “horse trading” to secure more powers for Holyrood.
The Campaign for Scottish Home Rule – made up of people from the world of politics and civic Scotland – wants the public to be involved in the discussion about the powers the country needs post-referendum.
It has set out three principles in a submission to the Smith Commission – which will create a blueprint for enhanced devolution – which say Holyrood and Westminster should raise the money they spend.
The group has said there should be mutual respect between the two parliaments an a presumption in favour of devolving power to Edinburgh unless London could make the case for retaining responsibility.
Former Labour first minister Henry McLeish, and ex-MSPs Andrew Wilson (SNP), Margaret Smith (Liberal Democrats) and Derek Brownlee (Conservatives) are backing the campaign.
Other members of its steering group include Dr Alison Elliot, former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland , Green Party member James MacKenzie and former Olympic badminton player Susan Egelstaff.
Mr Wilson, who represented central Scotland between 1999-2003, said: “The whole country needs to come together and secure the highest common denominator that will unify the vast majority of us that want progress and a much more responsible Parliament.
“We are concerned about the risk of political horse trading being the outcome of new powers and we want to see the principles behind them all.
“We have to build a bridge between the 45% who voted Yes and the 55% who voted No – we must not dig a trench – so we can get progress.”
Mr McLeish said a “credible, sustainable, authoritative alternative to independence” was needed in wake of the No vote.
“Part of the home rule campaign is to try to discuss and develop with the whole of Scotland how that can happen,” he added.
“Without a vision adding powers might serve a political purpose but might not serve the needs of Scotland.”
The group, chaired by Reform Scotland chairman Ben Thomson, said it was seeking to complement the Smith Commission process, not derail it.