Tories divided over plans to hand Scotland new powers

Louise McKenzie from the Falkirk Council Election team makes final checks of ballot boxes

The three main party leaders have united in a promise to hand Scotland a new wave of powers if voters return a No result in tomorrow’s independence referendum. Alongside this is a promise to continue with the Barnett Formula, the system by which the Treasury hands out cash to Scotland, and one which has been frequently criticised for giving Scotland a larger slice of funds than areas such as Yorkshire.

Shipley Tory MP Philip Davies said many Conservative MPs  would be pushing for a change in how English decisions are taken if Scotland sees its hand strengthened.

Mr Davies said: “I certainly do not believe that regional government is the answer to addressing Scottish devolution; that is the last thing Yorkshire needs.

“However, if there is a No vote in the Scottish referendum I will totally oppose entrenching an unfair funding formula and I will be doing all I can to stop MPs from Scotland voting on anything at all that does not affect Scotland.”

Former Conservative Cabinet Minister John Redwood has  also said that a No vote must see the creation of an English parliament rather than another attempt being made at imposing unwanted elected  mayors and regional assemblies.

• Specialist referendum coverage from The Scotsman, sister newspaper of The Yorkshire Post