East Lothian Labour’s local ‘I’m Voting No’ campaigning received some extra help this week when two MPs from other parts of the UK visited the county and lent their support to the campaign for Scotland to stay part of the United Kingdom.

Nick Smith MP, who represents Blaenau Gwent in South Wales, and Jenny Chapman, the MP for Darlington in the North-East of England, joined their colleague Fiona O’Donnell MP and county MSP Iain Gray on the campaign trail for a No vote on 18 September.

The pair spoke to voters in Tranent over the phone and on the doorstep, telling them about the strong views many of their constituents have expressed in favour of Scotland remaining part of a strong and successful UK.

Speaking afterwards, Fiona O’Donnell MP said:

“It was fantastic to have Nick and Jenny out campaigning with us in Tranent this week. To have MPs from Wales and England here saying ‘let’s stay together’ helps to underline the strong desire of most people in other parts of the UK for Scotland to vote No on 18 September. Nick and Jenny were delighted with the warm response we received for that message.

“Many people also told us they will vote No on 18 September and then Labour in next May’s UK general election to help ensure a fairer future for everyone across the whole of the UK. We will keep making the positive case for Scotland continuing to play a leading role within the UK right up to the day of the referendum.”

Jenny Chapman said:

“People in the North-East of England in places like my Darlington constituency have much in common with communities in Scotland. I know that the vast majority of people in my part of the UK want Scotland to stay part of the UK. I enjoyed passing this message on to people in East Lothian and was pleased that so many told me they believe we’re better sticking together.”

Nick Smith MP said:

“There is a special bond between Wales and Scotland and, while the decision is for Scots to make, many people in Wales have told me how saddened they would be if Scotland leaves the UK. We stood together during the miners’ strike 30 years ago and I want us to work together to create better opportunities for our young people. Wales and Scotland both have devolved governments and will have more powers so that we can make decisions about services that are so important to the people of both our countries.

“People in Wales have rejected nationalism because they believe, like Scotland, we have the best of both worlds -; strong devolved governments with the security of being part of a strong UK. Working class communities across the UK have always achieved more by working together in solidarity and I hope that people in Scotland will choose to continue that co-operation when they vote next month and vote No.

“East Lothian is a beautiful county. This is not the first time I have spent my holidays here. I will be looking out for the result here on 18 September and am pleased that I have been able to work with the local campaign for a No vote.”