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Scottish independence supporters hold rally

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IANS London

Thousands of supporters of Scottish independence Saturday participated in a rally outside the Scottish parliament at Holyrood in Edinburgh, BBC reported.

The rally was organised by the Voice Of The People, which calls itself a non-partisan organisation that "seeks to re-anchor our democracy in its founding principles by giving 'We the People' a greater role in government", according to the organisation's website.

The rally came just over a week after the independence referendum, as nationalist parties seek an agreement on more powers for the Scottish parliament.

"True power has not been given back to Westminster, it has been lent to them and one day we will take it back," said Marco Biagi, a leader of the Scottish National Party.

 

Meanwhile, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has warned nationalists not to seek an "ultra-extreme" form of devolution.

"An attempt from nationalists to redefine home rule and federalism in an ultra-extreme form is perhaps understandable but it is not something that will create a sustainable settlement that will stand the test of time," he said.

"For unionists, especially Labour, the test will be whether they can adopt a more substantial package of powers that will give the parliament the financial responsibility and flexibility it needs to tackle inequality, create jobs and invest for the long term."

The Scottish Green party has said it was looking forward to working constructively with the Smith Commission on Devolution.

The commission, headed by Lord Smith of Kelvin, aims to have a draft new powers bill in place by the time of the next British parliament.

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First Published: Sep 27 2014 | 9:38 PM IST

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