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Former Labour defence minister backs Scottish independence

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A former Labour defence minister in Tony Blair’s government has backed Scottish independence.

Peter Kilfoyle, who was MP for Liverpool Walton for 19 years, said there was a “huge imbalance” between London and the south-east of England and the rest of the country.

He spoke out after meeting Alex Salmond in Liverpool where the first minister was speaking at the International Festival of Business.

Mr Kilfoyle resigned as defence minister in 2000, claiming the Blair government was failing to pay enough attention to Labour’s heartlands.

“Scotland’s referendum debate is a timely reminder to the regions of England that we, too, have an issue with an overbearing London,” he said yesterday.

“There is a huge imbalance between a favoured London and its south-eastern hinterland, and the other regions and countries of these islands.”

He added that the “aspirational message of the Yes campaign was more attractive than the negativity and scaremongering of the No lobby”.

Welcoming Mr Kilfoyle’s comments, Mr Salmond said: “This is a significant endorsement for the independence campaign – and it shows that a Yes vote is in line with traditional Labour values.

“Peter understands that what is happening in Scotland is a catalyst for change elsewhere.”

However, Joe Anderson, Labour Mayor for Liverpool, said Mr Salmond was wrong to seek to create cross-border divisions.

“I, like many Scousers, feel a genuine connection with the warm hearted people of Scotland,” he said.

“Liverpool as a city shares more with places like Glasgow than it does London and letting us create strong communities, jobs and opportunities for business will deliver more for the people of Scotland than Alex Salmond’s plans.

“Alex Salmond is wrong to drive cities like ours apart and that’s why I will be proud to stand with the No campaign as it visits Liverpool.”