SCOTTISH Labour cannot ignore or wish away constitutional realities a second longer. The issues of democracy, accountability, independence, devolution and regional and national identity are the issues that dominate the Scottish and, increasingly, the British political landscape.

If we look at governance across the UK, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their parliaments or assemblies.

There is the Greater London Authority, metro mayors, county councils, district councils, unitary authorities, metropolitan districts, London boroughs, town and parish councils.

Not to mention the Houses of Commons, the Lords and previously the European Parliament.

This myriad of different levels of government, each with different powers and responsibilities governed by politicians elected under different voting systems, is a dog’s breakfast.