Calm and rational debate needed on union - Campbell

5.55.02pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 15th Jan 2007

Commenting ahead of the three hundred year anniversary of the Act of Union, Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campbell said:

"The three hundred years of union have been good for all the nations of the United Kingdom. By comparison with others we have enjoyed political stability and economic progress.

"But the structure of the Union must reflect the effects of devolution to Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. It is not simply the West Lothian question but also the West Belfast and West Wales question.

"Once devolution has bedded down we must calmly and rationally examine the role of Northern Irish, Scottish and Welsh MPs at Westminster.

"As the nationalist card if played in Scotland would be deeply damaging, so too would English nationalism. Conservative flirtation with English nationalist ideas for short term political advantage would be just as destabilising. Mr Cameron should know better."

Applicability: this item refers to the UK.