A former Liberal Democrat leader wants political parties to meet within 30 days of a “no” vote in the independence referendum to agree further powers for Holyrood.
Sir Menzies Campbell said a consensus already existed on the need to reform Scotland’s relationship with the rest of the UK.
But in order to avoid confusing voters, the exact nature of any plans should only be decided after the September 18 vote.
Once agreed, the political parties should include the proposals in their manifestos for the 2015 general election and that year’s Queen’s speech “whatever the government”, Sir Menzies said.
The MP for North East Fife put forward seven recommendations at the launch of his Home Rule and Community Rule Commission in Edinburgh yesterday.
Sir Menzies said it was important to respond to the desire for change and in order to act immediately both the UK and Scottish governments should start working on proposals now.
“We say that the secretary of state for Scotland should convene a meeting after the referendum within 30 days, where parties and wider interests can meet,” he said.
“Its aim should be to secure a consensus for further extension of powers to the Scottish Parliament consistent with continued membership of the United Kingdom and to be included in part manifestos for the 2015 general election.”
Sir Menzies added that the SNP should publish the preparatory work for independence done by civil servants and widen the remit of Revenue Scotland to embrace further tax powers to be set out in a new Scotland Bill, which would make the Scottish Parliament “indissoluble by Westminster”.
Earlier in the day he said the consensual approach of the pro-union campaign contrasted with that of the nationalists, who were “totally dismissive of the ideas other than their own”.
“Unlike the ‘yes’ campaign, the campaign against independence is not some totalitarian outfit,” he said.
Yes Scotland chief executive, Blair Jenkins, said: “We have heard warm words before from Westminster politicians about powers for Scotland in return for a ‘no’ vote. They came to nothing in 1979 and it’s the same again.”