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Senior Scots Tory moots plan to create 'federal' UK

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Published Date: 31 October 2007
By HAMISH MACDONELL
MURDO Fraser, the deputy leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, has broken ranks with the party's leadership in London to propose a "federal" solution to the UK's constitutional problems.
Writing in The Scotsman today, Mr Fraser argues that the constitution is a "mess" and the Conservatives have a duty to try to protect the integrity of the United Kingdom.

To do this, Mr Fraser says the party has to examine radical solutions, and one of these is a federal UK, with each of the constituent parts having its own parliament with its own powers, and the House of Lords acting as a "pan-UK senate".

The MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife stresses that the money for the Scottish Government's policies comes from a finite Scottish block grant, and every spending commitment in one area has to be paid for by cuts in others.

He writes: "Perhaps the end point will be a federal, or quasi-federal, United Kingdom, with each component nation having greater self-government than is currently the case. A reformed House of Lords might act as a pan-UK 'senate' binding the UK together."

Focus, page 32



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1

,

31/10/2007 02:59:02
Comment Removed By Administrator
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2

Scotindy,

Los Angeles 31/10/2007 03:40:46

Having been dragged to the Democratic negociating table, it's not surprising that the Conservative Dodo bird still cannot find a mate to speak too. RIP!!

3

Boy Wonder,

31/10/2007 08:56:31

Took long enough to sink in, didn't it?

One rather suspects he's going to be shot down in flames for even suggesting it.

Tories ... can't do anything with 'em, eh?

4

Not A Unionist or Nationalist ©,

31/10/2007 09:50:10

There's federal and there's federal - until one sees the detail of his ideas it is difficult to comment. if it is based on a unitary English state then I am afraid it is non-runner in my opinion.

5

megz,

glasgow 31/10/2007 10:01:37

just break up the UK everyone raises their own taxes and pays for ther own things and makes their onw laws everyone would be happier. Except the unionist who do not want to see their own country run by itself. What is wrong with these people, do they think if they aren't british their identity is gone?

6

Ken S.,

31/10/2007 11:17:56

Peter, The fly on Bendy Wendy's wall

"This is a Tory kite being flown to see how the core Tory vote will take to it. If there is no huurmphing from Mrs Angry of Tunbridgewells then it will be a major plank of the Tories 2009 Manifesto."

Indications are that Mrs Angry thinks the idea rather sooper, as do I. It is the Tory hierarchy that is having indigestion with it, because it is perceived as further break-up of the Union, which runs counter to its title of Conservative & Unionist Party.

7

Gregor Addison,

Scotland 31/10/2007 11:26:52

The Tories are heading towards a federal structure for their own party, it seems. As for Federalism as a solution to the problems thrown up by devolution; with the Lib Dems in tatters and Labour having stolen the Unionist mantle from the Tories (who seem keen to give it up); it doesn't look like an option that is going anywhere in a hurry.

If the Tories win the next Westminster election, it will be on a more perceptibly English platform. Labour, in opposition, will have to follow suit to win back voters. Where does that leave Britain? The future for diehard unionists doesn't look good. The break up of Britain is being played out under the auspices of Westminster based parties. The SNP are not, contrary to popular belief, the driving force; though they may well be the beneficiaries.

8

Bobo,

31/10/2007 11:51:03

Murdo Fraser - personally I feel a bit nauseous whenever I think about him. Of course most normal people have never even heard of him and it's unlikely they ever will.

9

Danielrober2,

In London for work, like lots of other people. 31/10/2007 20:02:23

I think radical changes need to be considered. A federal monachy, might be the way forward.

I'm not a politican, but their must be a way of meeting the greater desire local control, reward and accountability, without losing the ability to act on a larger global scale. Acting on a global scale is a strength that actually all of us in the UK enjoy. Those who don't belive in it might miss when its gone.

10

Bobo,

31/10/2007 21:02:34

#10

I'd like the ability to act on a larger global scale but why do you think you need to do it through London?


 

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