Abolition of the House of Lords has been proposed as part of Scottish Labour’s alternative to independence.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said reform of Westminster and how the UK is governed is needed to make government more accountable and representative of all parts of the UK.

He unveiled a three-pronged package of changes as an alternative to Nicola Sturgeon’s plan for a second referendum to be held in October next year.

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Sarwar also proposed a legal duty to cooperate between the UK Government and the Scottish Government.

And he put forward a plan for joint governance councils to replace the Joint Ministerial Committees and would have a statutory footing.

On scrapping the Lords, Sarwar said: “The House of Lords must be abolished and replaced with an institution which better reflects the make-up and the identity of the United Kingdom.” 

He said the role of the Lords as a revising chamber had to be recognised but said it must be an elected chamber that reflects the make-up of the country.

He added: “But we need something that is more reflective of modern Britain. 

“And which gives Scotland and other parts of the UK a greater say in UK-wide legislation.”

Speaking to a Fabian Society audience in London, he said: "Members should be directly elected, with a mandate to represent their nation or region."  

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He added: “This bold reform would not only deliver better governance but ensure that those wielding power on behalf of the people are chosen by the people and sit in an institution which better reflects the diversity of this country.”

In the speech he said that Labour would not do any deals with the SNP at the next UK General Election.

He said it was in both the SNP and Tories' interest that Labour lost seats at Westminster and said both also had a shared interest in undermining Scottish devolution.

He said: “They both want to cost Labour votes – yes in Scotland, but even more votes in England. 

“We know the Tories ruthlessly want to hold on to power. But another Tory government is precisely what the SNP wants too. Because it allows them to continue their grievance campaign.”

He added: “Let me make one thing crystal clear today. It doesn’t matter what lies Boris Johnson tells. It doesn’t matter what Nicola Sturgeon demands.

"Regardless of the outcome of the next UK General Election, Labour will do no deal with the SNP. 

“No deal. No pact. No behind-closed-doors arrangement. No coalition.”

Instead, he said the SNP would face the choice should Labour end up the biggest party but without a majority of backing a Labour government or supporting the Tories.

He added: “And I dare Nicola Sturgeon to back the Tories and put them back in power and see how Scotland responds.”