The deputy leader of ­Scottish Labour today lays down a challenge to his party to offer voters more policies on issues that affect their daily lives before next year's independence referendum.

Anas Sarwar says he is confident Labour can rise to the test. In an article today he warns that political parties must ensure their beliefs are translated into concrete results, saying that "values without ideas are meaningless".

Mr Sarwar said his call "clearly demonstrates the challenge for us to set out those ideas. But it is one that I know that we can more than match - and I know reflects the priorities of the people of Scotland."

Labour's devolution commission is expected to recommend constitutional changes when it reports before next year's vote.

Mr Sarwar says that the party also has to ensure voters understand how Labour would achieve social and economic change on issues such as wages, tax, jobs and the cost of living.

The party is understood to have a number of policies it is currently working on, which will be announced between now and the referendum. It is thought to be looking at a range of ideas, including what can be achieved through procurement contracts.

Mr Sarwar wants all parts of his party to take advantage of the interest in the independence debate to set out where the party thinks Scotland should be going.

He adds: "Labour will make a constitutional, economic and social offer, based on our values. But values without ideas are meaningless. So ahead of the referendum we will set this out in more detail, demonstrating we understand Scotland's concerns, but more importantly that we have the right ideas to take Scotland and the UK forward.