THURSO - THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT IS UNDOUBTEDLY A SUCCESS

12.00.00am GMT Tue 27th Nov 2001

John Thurso, MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross and Lib Dem Spokesman on Scottish Affairs at Westminster, today praised the Scottish Parliament for giving the people of Scotland a democratic and consultative government that reflects the variety of culture within Scotland. He added that he believed that the Scottish Parliament helped to reconnect voters with the politicians they vote for.

Speaking during a debate at Westminster on the working of the Scotland Act, the MP strongly criticised Old Labour and its MPs who wished to turn back the clock. Listening to them, he said, was like "walking with dinosaurs".

"The Scotland Act 1998 has been beneficial for Scotland. It has given the country its own power through devolution with the establishment of the Scottish Parliament. The Parliament is undoubtedly a success.

It has delivered on the objectives that were set for it and has provided an effective, democratic system that is consultative, open, deliberative and accountable. It has helped to reconnect voters with those whom they vote for.

The Scottish Parliament has been an important landmark for Scotland. It reflects the needs of Scottish people. It reflects the wide variety of culture in Scotland.

I believe the Scottish Parliament is delivering all of this to the people of Scotland. The number of 129 MSPs is working well. The committee system that brings forward bills needs a lot of hard work and a certain number of people to make it run. The way the Parliament is constructed is working well and I do not think Westminster should disturb this."