Scottish Referendums

Tam Dalyell To Debate Dewar

The Labour MP for Linlithgow, Tam Dalyell, has agreed to take part in a TV debate on devolution with the Scottish Secretary, Donald Dewar. Dalyell will side with Conservative constitution spokesman, Michael Ancram, and Donald Findlay of Think Twice, speking against devolution. He will face his Labour Party colleague, Donald Dewar, and SNP leader Alex Salmond, who will be speaking in favour of the Government's plans.

Mr Dalyell told BBC Radio Scotland: "I am putting a point of view....in no way have I joined the No, No campaign." He said that his decision to appear in this debate was a matter of free speech, not an act of defiance towards his party.

A Labour Party spokesperson said that the MP would not face any sanctions for speaking in the debate.

The debate will be broadcast three days before the referendum on 11th September.

Dalyell is a veteran campaigner against home rule, he was the first person to ask the West Lothian question. He was a vice-chair of the Labour Vote No campaign in 1979.