‘Seventy more MSPs needed’ if Scotland votes for independence

Seventy more politicians would be needed in Holyrood if Scotland was to become independent, an SNP MSP has said.

Dave Thompson claimed the added representation would save taxpayers money once cash paid out to Westminster and the House of Lords was taken into account.

New members would be needed to cope with an increase in responsibility for the Scottish Parliament over matters such as defence and pensions, he said.

Mr Thompson added: “I believe that the only way to deal with this is for the Scottish Parliament to have more MSPs, to ensure that it is able to produce the highest quality legislation and effectively scrutinise the Government on behalf of the people of Scotland.”