Bright start for 'Yes' campaign

Government Begins Double 'Yes' Campaign, Issues Sleaze Warning

Party bosses calculate that the suspension of the MP for Renfrewshire West, Tommy Graham, and disciplinary action against two other party members, will allow it to concentrate on persuading the public to back its devolution plans in the referendum on the issue in three weeks' time.

The Scottish Secretary Donald Dewar admitted that the last 100 hours had been "bruising" and difficult. But he said Labour would insist on "decent civilized standards".

Labour held a formal launch in Glasgow of the campaign to persuade Scottish voters to back its devolution proposals. The atmosphere was markedly different from a news conference on Tuesday, when Mr Dewar fielded a barrage of questions about the events surrounding the death of Paisley South MP, Gordon McMaster, and allegations of a whispering campaign against him.

Donald Dewar: "A chance in a generation" for Scotland

He told reporters in Glasgow at Wednesday's launch: "The efforts of the vast majority of decent hard working Labour Party members must not be undermined by conduct which has everything to do with narrow self interest and nothing to do with the principles for which Labour stands. We will ensure decent civilized standards for debate and acceptable personal behaviour."

Tougher Screening

Mr Dewar described the forthcoming referendum as a "decisive moment in our country's history". "A new parliament will mean a new era in politics in Scotland. I am determined that the Labour Party will rise to the challenge," he said.

"Out of the troubled and sad events of recent weeks, I am determined the party will emerge reformed and strengthened, and ready to help forge a new Scotland over the next 100 years," Mr Dewar added.

The Scottish Secretary said a double 'yes' vote on September 11 would be Scotland's chance to restore national pride: "The referendum on September 11 is the chance to turn our hopes for more say over our own affairs into reality. It will not come again next year, or the year after. Scotland must be clear that this is a chance in a generation."

Moves against MP and Party Activists

Tommy Graham: under investigation

But the investigation into the allegations made against them, and the conduct of the party in three constituencies in Renfrewshire, will continue throughout and beyond the referendum campaign. And the united front demonstrated by Labour's political opponents in the run-up to the vote will soon disappear.

Party chiefs cleared Mr Graham of playing any part in the "tragic death" of Mr McMaster, but suspended him from the Parliamentary Labour Party pending a broader investigation into separate allegations.

The action follows a report by the Government Chief Whip Nick Brown, which was ordered by the Prime Minister Tony Blair. Mr Brown concluded that Mr McMaster was suffering from "a severe depressive illness" and this, alone, was the cause of his death.

The suspension has the effect of dispatching Mr Graham into internal exile and means he loses the privileges of representing Labour in the Commons.

Labour's ruling National Executive Committee will now investigate complaints that Mr Graham verbally attacked colleagues and allegations that he worked with a known opponent of the Labour Party.

The party's general secretary, Tom Sawyer, will also send in a task force to overhaul the party in the three constituencies - Paisley North and South and Mr Graham's seat - that make up Renfrewshire and report to him.

The by-election for the Paisley South seat caused by the death of Mr McMaster is likely to be highly acrimonious.