Blair calls on SNP to back devolution

Tony Blair last night challenged the Scottish National Party to "get off the fence" and say whether it would back Labour's devolution plans.

The Labour leader urged the SNP to make clear whether its supporters would fight for a "yes" vote in a referendum on a Scottish Parliament.

"It is time the SNP got off the fence," Mr Blair told the Scottish Labour group of MPs."Here is the party that says it stands up for Scotland and yet is prepared to stand alongside the Tories in opposing our plans for a Scottish Parliament."

Mr Blair emphasised Labour's commitment to establishing a Scottish Parliament following a referendum.