Major Speaks Out Against Devolution

Major Says No

Writing in The Times newspaper he described Home Rule as a doomed enterprise. "Devolution would hurt business. It would hurt people. It would take power away from individuals and mean higher taxes for Scots. It would eventually lead to the break-up of the United Kingdom."

John Major had put defence of the Union at the heart of his general election campaign last May. The Times article demonstrates that his views remain unchanged despite the collapse of the Tory vote in Scotland. This is the first political pronouncement on the issue of devolution he has made since stepping down as Conservative party leader.

At a rally in Dalnottar, the SNP party president, Winnie Ewing MEP rejected John Major's comments out of hand, "I don't think he has got a new argument, he is just a negative thinker and that is insulting to the positive aspirations of the people of Scotland."

Donald Dewar campaigning on the streets of Airdrie today also rubbished Major's article. He said "poor John Major" was asking Scots to pass a vote of no confidence in their own abilities.