McConnell Keynote Speech

Former First Minister joins Better Together campaign.

Former First Minister Jack McConnell is to call for Scottish home rule within the UK.

He'll deliver his first speech on behalf of Better Together in Edinburgh today where he'll argue that the best future for Scotland is a strong Scottish Parliament, while sharing sovereignty with others as part of the wider UK.

Mr McConnell is expected to say:

"Today, on the 15th anniversary of the opening of our new Parliament in 1999, I want to set out a positive argument. And be relentlessly positive in doing so.

"I have friends on both sides of this debate and I respect their views. 

"But my own view is clear. Home rule for Scotland within the UK is the best and most positive system for the people who live and work here. It gives us the best of both worlds.

"Devolution gives us the autonomy to decide our laws. Our Scottish Parliament has strong powers to make our own decisions and change lives.

"But we voluntarily share our sovereignty with those who live in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the areas where it's best to work together. 

"Together with thousands and thousands of other Scots, Jim and I campaigned for devolution in the 80s and 90s. 

"And then we worked tirelessly to make it work in practice. 

"And I will fight between now and the vote in September to make the positive case that Scottish devolution within the UK secures the brightest future for Scotland.

"The facts prove the success of devolution. We still face huge challenges but Scotland is a better place after 15 years of devolution. 

"We are healthier, cleaner, more just, more confident, economically stronger and better connected.  

"Home rule inside the UK has had good days and bad days, but it works and it will continue to grow and develop.

"The vote in September is not about personalities, or even policies. 

"It is about how we choose to be governed. Democratically, intellectually, and politically I am as convinced as I ever was. 

"And I will fight to save Home rule inside the UK as the best of both worlds for the nation I love."

Scots will go to the polls to cast their vote in the referendum on September 18th. Opinion polls show that support for Yes Scotland is continuing to grow.