A PAIR of Cumbrian MPs have called for more powers to be handed to communities after Scotland voted to stay in the UK on the promise of further devolution.

Both Tim Farron for South Lakes and John Woodcock for Furness claim more autonomy should be given to English local government if further power is to be handed to Scotland following the poll.

"This is clearly the right moment to examine radical reform of how England is governed, to put more powers back in the hands of people and communities," said Mr Woodcock.

“We need to hand over genuine power to people themselves so they can make decisions about their lives rather than creating a new layer of politicians who may struggle to connect.”

Mr Farron said he believes powers over jobs, transport, apprenticeships and healthcare should be in the hands of the people.

"For too long in Cumbria we have lacked the levers we really need," he said.

“Westminster’s foundations have been shook by the debate and the ramifications have been felt here in Cumbria too.

"The next challenge is to make sure we devolve powers from Westminster down to communities like Windermere and throughout the South Lakes.”

Both MPs had travelled to Scotland to campaign in the 'No' camp before the historic poll.

“I’m delighted that Scotland has said a firm no to separation," continued Mr Farron, who spent the week before the poll in Hawick and Galashiels.

"I think independence would have been bad for Scotland and bad for Cumbria. It would have affected everything from the NHS to business to buses and most things in between."

Mr Woodcock, who campaigned in Clydebank and Falkirk, added: “I was very pleased to have been able to take a team of volunteers from Furness up to Scotland to help make the case for the Union in the last, crucial days.

"The defeat for the separatists is a massive boost for Furness by helping to safeguard submarine jobs, as well as for Scotland.”

Local people also commented as the result came in.

"Any devolution deal for Scotland should trigger a new debate on local autonomy in England," said Rob Johnston, chief executive of the Cumbria Chamber of Commerce.

"Local businesses deserve a say in how a new, less centralised UK is governed in the future.

"What we need to do now is to focus more than ever on how economic growth can be supported and further stimulated here in Cumbria."