Edinburgh - Mr Paddy Ashdown last night challenged Scotland to "blaze the trail" for constitutional reform across Britain by voting for an Edinburgh-based parliament with tax varying powers. The Liberal Democrat leader argued that a double "Yes" vote in the Scottish devolution referendum would encourage modernisation of the whole British constitution, providing a boost for campaigns for more open government, a Bill of Rights, electoral reform and decentralisation.
Mr Ashdown dismissed Conservative warnings about the possible implications of devolution, arguing that the last Tory government had drastically reduced local democracy and accountability. - (PA)
