For most Scots, the outdated, out-of-touch Westminster system is long overdue a radical overhaul.
That is why Gordon Brown ’s report on modernising the United Kingdom was badly needed and is a welcome sign that Labour isn’t afraid to tackle the UK’s big constitutional problems head on.
Brown’s proposals to scrap the House of Lords and make it an elected second chamber while devolving more power to Scotland are sensible measures which would drag Britain into the 21st century.
It is tragic that a Tory Party in power for the last 12 years has done nothing but take us backwards, using Brexit-inspired English nationalism to cling on to power.
Successive Tory prime ministers have shown no interest in spreading the wealth and power concentrated in London to the nations and regions.
The Tories have been happy for their friends in the City to hoover up all the money while the rest of the UK is left behind. And they are only too happy for medieval throwbacks like the House of Lords to keep us stuck in a constitutional time warp.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has vowed to change this sad state of affairs – and said yesterday he would implement the Brown proposals during his first term if he is the next prime minister.
But he must not forget that, in Scotland, the SNP is and is likely to remain the largest party and he will need to work constructively with them if he is to make his vision a reality.
No matter what he does, a large number of people in Scotland will still see independence as a way to get rid of the Tories and Westminster rule forever.
But it is refreshing to see a Labour leader, at long last, attempting to put forward a positive vision for Scotland and the UK.
Driving force
When the Peugeot-Talbot factory in Linwood, Renfrewshire, closed in 1981, it effectively marked the end of the car industry in Scotland.
But now an East Kilbride firm is set to bring it back and create hundreds of new jobs.
Munro Vehicles believe they have spotted a gap in the market for an “electric-powered, four-wheel-drive utilitarian workhorse”.
The Munro MK1 will be the first car to enter mass production in Scotland for more than 40 years.
It will be made in a purpose-built factory in central Scotland and lead to 300 new jobs.
Eventually it is hoped 2500 vehicles will be produced each year.
This is great news for Scottish industry and those who want to see the country striving for a greener future.
Munro Vehicles deserve applause for their bold and ambitious plans.
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