Pro-union Scottish parties back plan for more powers

The three main pro-union parties in Scotland Tuesday announced their backing for a plan set out by former prime minister Gordon Brown that promised more powers for Scottish parliament, a media report said.

The announcement was made jointly by Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont, Conservative leader Ruth Davidson and Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie in Edinburgh, BBC reported.

"It is possible to vote 'No' Sep 18 and also say you are voting for change, for more powers for the Scottish parliament," Lamont said, adding that she was delighted to endorse a plan set out by former prime minister Brown.

Brown's 12-point plan gives new powers to Scotland for job creation, economic and social investment, land use, housing benefits, social care, income tax and holding elections, among others, if Scottish people decide in favour of a 'No' vote in the Sep 18 referendum.

Scottish Conservative leader Davidson said this would ensure that "Scotland can have what it wants most of all, which is full control and full levers of power over huge swathes of what we do in this country, how we deliver our public services without having to walk away from the strength and security of the United Kingdom".

Rennie said the pro-union parties were coming together as they considered the issue very important.