Campbell makes case for new Act of Union for UK

Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ming Campbell has called for a new Act of Union in his maiden speech in the House of Lords.

Lord Campbell warned the Union is “under threat” amid continued support for independence in Scotland.

He told peers a new Act of Union was needed to set clarify the relationship between the different parts of the United Kingdom in the era of the Scottish Parliament and assemblies in Wales and Northern Ireland.

He said: “I was born in Scotland. My parents were Scottish. I went to school and university in Scotland. I’m married to a Scot. I qualified in and practised in Scots law. I was Scottish MP for nearly three decades. And I’m the Chancellor of Scotland’s oldest university.

“But my pride in Scotland is not exclusive. I’m equally proud to be a citizen of the United Kingdom.

“And yet our union is under threat. I have no doubt that we are better together but following the events of the last few weeks I’m equally convinced that we are safer together.

“If we are to preserve our Union I believe we need to legislate for a new Act of Union for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, setting out clearly the responsibilities and rights of all four nations.”