FORMER First Minister Henry McLeish and former SNP MSP Andrew Wilson will today join the launch of a new campaign for Scottish "home rule".

The new group warns that extra powers for Scotland cannot be determined by political "horse trading".

In its submission to the Smith Commission on greater devolution, the campaign sets out a number of key principles for home rule. But its organisers say they also intend to consult Scots on what specific new responsibilities Scotland should have.

The term "home rule" has been contentious in recent years, with a number of ­definitions put forward.

Mr McLeish said any future extra powers for Holyrood should not be simply a "response to a political or constitutional crisis". He added: "Our Home Rule campaign should seek to inspire and enthuse and raise the level of political and constitutional debate."

The new organisation will be headed by Reform Scotland chairman Ben Thomson. Mr Wilson and Mr McLeish will be part of the 12-strong steering group and will serve as individuals not as representatives of political parties, alongside Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Green members.

Mr Thomson said: "We believe proper Home Rule needs to be underpinned by a core set of principles and, as a campaign, we have established the principles we think should form the basis of any new settlement."

l More than 60 businesses leaders have rejected Devo Max and warned full fiscal autonomy is not compatible with the Union.

Those who have signed a joint submission to the Smith Commision include Billy Alan, executive chairman of oil services company ASCO, Dr Tessa Hartman, founder of the Scottish ­Fashion Awards, and Kevin Hague, founder and CEO of the M8 Group.