Former Labour First Minister ridicules the Union

Responding to comments on BBC's Riddoch programme this afternoon where he said "the union is not fit for purpose at the moment" SNP MSP Roseanna Cunningham, who was also a guest on the programme, said:

"Henry McLeish's comment is an extremely welcome contribution to the national conversation on Scotland's future and underscores how the present arrangements are not working for Scotland.

"The Scottish Government's National Conversation on Scotland's constitutional future is driving forward the entire debate on a new relationship for the nations of these islands. The trends are very clear as polls show that people are moving to the independence position of a 21st century partnership between Scotland and England.

"And as the people of Scotland see the success and credibility of the SNP in government their position on independence becomes more solid.

"The SNP Government will stick to the manifesto commitment we offered the people by demonstrating credibility in government, engaging with the people through our National Conversation, and bringing forward a referendum in 2010.

"Henry McLeish's comments show how the challenge is now for the opposition parties is to come forward with adequate proposals, and place those alongside independence in a referendum for the people of Scotland to decide what constitutional option they favour."