Being out and about talking to residents and representing their views is in my view as important to politics as the grandstanding that takes place in Westminster.

No one out there is interested in who did what to whom in Westminster politics.

In Scotland the indication is that for the Westminster elections at least Labour voters are satisfied with their government.

Thankfully due to the United Kingdom and the commitment of the Westminster government we are able to ensure that money brought in whether it be from the City of London or from North Sea oil can be pooled and directed to wherever it is needed most. That is what being in the United Kingdom is all about.

The British political system and the whole clapped out Westminster architecture and the language that we use about politics it's completely unsustainable. You either decide to be part of that transition to do something different. Or you cling to old certainties.

It is eerie being all but alone in Westminster Abbey. Without the tourists there are only the dead many of them kings and queens. They speak powerfully and put my thoughts into vivid perspective.