Scotland urges more Euro devolution

Henry McLeish signed the treaty with other devolved administrations

Scotland has joined six other devolved administrations in calling for more power to be given to their governments.

First Minister Henry McLeish signed a treaty with the leaders of German, Spanish and Belgian states.

It calls for the "constitutional regions" to be given the right to take part in preparations for the Inter-Governmental Conference which will shape the European Union after 2004.

Mr McLeish's spokesman said that the decision to sign up to the treaty had the full backing of the UK Government and was taken after discussions between Mr McLeish and Foreign Secretary Robin Cook.

This was approved by Robin Cook and it is in keeping with the general view of the British Government, which is that we don't want a European super-state but we want to encourage greater local democracy.

Mr McLeish's spokesman

The treaty states that Scotland, along with Bavaria, Catalonia, North-Rhine Westphalia, Salzburg, Wallonia and Flanders, "wish to contribute to the debate on the future of the European Union".

The First Minister's spokesman said: "The First Minister's view has always been that Scotland now has a role in the European Union and that is something the UK Government is entirely relaxed about.

"This was approved by Robin Cook and it is in keeping with the general view of the British Government, which is that we don't want a European super-state but we want to encourage greater local democracy."

But the First Minister has been accused by John Swinney, leader of the Scottish National Party, of brokering the deal behind Tony Blair's back.

Mr Swinney said: "It just shows the massive gulf that exists between Labour in Scotland and Labour in London.

"What Scotland needs is the first class status that only independence in Europe can deliver and a seat at the top table for Scotland."