Ask Scotland "to say Yes to a new and positive relationship with the rest of the UK", says Lord Lexden.
In a letter (attached) published in slightly edited form in The Daily Telegraph on 8 September, Alistair Lexden urged the pro-Union campaign to stop wrangling with its opponents over economic issues and concentrate on making the case for a new constitutional settlement that would keep the UK together.
Dear Sir
If it is to succeed,the campaign to save the Union must change course.It has been a grave mistake to rely almost entirely on economic arguments. There is no way of showing decisively that Scotland would be less prosperous outside the Union. Incessant, inconclusive argument over currency,oil and the provision of public services has led to an unproductive and unseemly wrangle which has brought discredit on both sides.
The Unionists must make their case in strong patriotic terms during the days that remain.They must invite the people of Scotland not just to say no to independence, but to say yes to a new and positive relationship with the rest of the United Kingdom on terms of full equality. The Scottish Parliament has been promised additional powers.It should be made clear that their conferment will mark the start of work in all parts of the UK to devise a new constitutional settlement that would bind them together on a federal basis.Unionism would acquire the sense of vision it badly needs and the UK would be put on a firm,stable foundation for the future.
Yours faithfully
Lord Lexden
London SW1