Douglas Alexander criticises Scottish Government’s centralisation ahead of Labour conference

At the Labour party conference in Liverpool, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander accused the Scottish Government of centralising power to the detriment of essential services, noting growing problems for young people and seniors. He praised Andy Burnham’s devolution agenda and his achievements in Manchester, such as bus regulation and homelessness initiatives. Alexander framed the issue as a national concern, not just a partisan one.

SNP MSP Jack Middleton responded by urging Alexander to champion a clear, negotiated route to a second independence referendum, referencing the Prime Minister’s recent statement that Scotland has the right to decide. Middleton argued that the SNP’s plan to rebuild Scotland within the EU depends on achieving independence.