Dempsey demands Labour cut ties to London

One of Labour's major backers in Scotland businessman Brian Dempsey has called on the party to prepare for independence.

Saying Labour in Scotland should concentrate on what would achieve the "best results for Scotland" rather than getting Ed Miliband elected he calls on the Labour party to break from the "coat-tails of Millbank towers" and "unchain itself from the anchor of London".

Mr Dempsey who is a life long Labour supporter says the party should start "thinking and planning for independence" adding that whilst Labour may not want independence "it is prudent and sensible to prepare for the possibility of things not going according to plan."

He also condemns the idea of Iain Gray remaining as leader after the autumn. Responding to Mr Dempsey's comments SNP MSP for Glasgow Anniesland Bill Kidd said: "Brian Dempsey's comments will certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons at John Smith House.

"It is clear Labour's donors and supporters think the party has a long way to go.

"For Labour's biggest backer in Scotland to put the party on independence footing shows how far Scotland has come and how far behind Labour are.

"His comments will add to the increasing tension within Labour over their direction, their leadership and their continued opposition to further constitutional change.

"Scotland's voters backed a positive party with a vision for Scotland and the ability to deliver that vision."

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