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'Concern' over referendum shift 'Concern' over referendum shift
(about 6 hours later)
Conservative and Lib Dem leaders in Scotland have spoken of their serious concern over Wendy Alexander's policy shift on a referendum on independence.Conservative and Lib Dem leaders in Scotland have spoken of their serious concern over Wendy Alexander's policy shift on a referendum on independence.
They said the Scottish Labour leader's new-found support for a referendum was undermining the Calman Commission.They said the Scottish Labour leader's new-found support for a referendum was undermining the Calman Commission.
It was set up by Labour, the Lib Dems and the Tories to review the powers of the Scottish Parliament.It was set up by Labour, the Lib Dems and the Tories to review the powers of the Scottish Parliament.
Annabel Goldie said she was "totally behind" its work while Nicol Stephen said it was "more important than ever".Annabel Goldie said she was "totally behind" its work while Nicol Stephen said it was "more important than ever".
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Mr Stephen argued that the Calman commission should be supported to examine the parliament's powers.Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Mr Stephen argued that the Calman commission should be supported to examine the parliament's powers.
The Liberal Democrat leader added: "Unless the work is done to develop that through the commission then you end up with a very polarised debate between Gordon Brown and Wendy Alexander on the one hand and Alex Salmond on the other.The Liberal Democrat leader added: "Unless the work is done to develop that through the commission then you end up with a very polarised debate between Gordon Brown and Wendy Alexander on the one hand and Alex Salmond on the other.
"Given the popularity of Gordon Brown and Labour party at the moment I worry about that.""Given the popularity of Gordon Brown and Labour party at the moment I worry about that."
'Extraordinary' 'Erratic' accusation
Miss Goldie, the leader of the Scottish Tories, said she had "confidence" in the Scottish people wanting to continue with "improved devolution."Miss Goldie, the leader of the Scottish Tories, said she had "confidence" in the Scottish people wanting to continue with "improved devolution."
She added: "It really is extraordinary that Wendy Alexander has jumped the gun in a sense by, I think, undermining the status of the commission.She added: "It really is extraordinary that Wendy Alexander has jumped the gun in a sense by, I think, undermining the status of the commission.
"The outcome of that commission is very, very important to the informed debate that many people in Scotland want us to have.""The outcome of that commission is very, very important to the informed debate that many people in Scotland want us to have."
Mr Stephen also spoke of this week's events being "absolutely extraordinary".Mr Stephen also spoke of this week's events being "absolutely extraordinary".
They were speaking after Ms Alexander called for an early referendum on independence, challenging the SNP to "bring it on." They were speaking after Ms Alexander called for an early referendum on independence, challenging the SNP to "bring it on".
The 15-member commission, chaired by Sir Kenneth Calman, only met for the first time at the end of April. The SNP leader at Westminster, Angus Robertson, also joined in the criticism, pointing out that Scottish Secretary Des Browne had rejected a referendum as recently as April.
It is extraordinary that the voice of the Secretary of State has not been heard David MundellShadow Scottish Secretary
"Amidst all the U-turns and erratic behaviour there is an eerie silence from the Scotland Office," said Mr Robertson.
"Des Browne has been adamant in his opposition to a referendum. What does he think now?
"Does he agree with Wendy Alexander or is he behind Gordon Brown's decision not to back her latest 'big idea' - which is of course the SNP's idea?"
The Shadow Scottish Secretary David Mundell has also written to Mr Browne questioning his absence from the debate.
Mr Mundell said: "It is extraordinary that the voice of the Secretary of State has not been heard."
Mr Mundell's letter follows an exchange of letters between the UK Tory leader David Cameron and the Prime Minister in which he has sought clarification over the Labour Party's position.
He also claimed Mr Browne had "refused" to appear on BBC Newsnight Scotland to explain the referendum stance.
The 15-member commission into devolution, chaired by Sir Kenneth Calman, only met for the first time at the end of April.
It is not expected to report until later in the year.It is not expected to report until later in the year.
John Loughton, a member of the Commission, said he had been surprised at Ms Alexander's change of stance.John Loughton, a member of the Commission, said he had been surprised at Ms Alexander's change of stance.
"What I want to hear from the opposition party, what is the fundamental duty of a opposition party, is to propose a clear, consistent and key message in providing solutions or alternatives to proposals from government," he told BBC Scotland's Good Morning Scotland."What I want to hear from the opposition party, what is the fundamental duty of a opposition party, is to propose a clear, consistent and key message in providing solutions or alternatives to proposals from government," he told BBC Scotland's Good Morning Scotland.
"Sadly I think that's not happened through various changes in stance from the Labour party just now.""Sadly I think that's not happened through various changes in stance from the Labour party just now."