Britain's Communists made the case yesterday for a class-based alternative to the "reactionary federalism" emanating from Westminster in the wake of the Scottish independence vote.

An emergency resolution put forward by the executive committed the party to a structure of federal, national and regional parliaments and assemblies.

The resolution called for home rule parliaments in Wales and Scotland and the creation of regional assemblies across England with comparable powers and substantial powers for economic intervention.

Regional assemblies would be mapped to economic regions covering the North East, North West, Yorks, East Midlands, West Midlands, East, London, South, South West and with special status given to a national assembly in Cornwall.

Once the regional assemblies are up and running, then consideration may be given to an English Parliament with similar powers to the Welsh and Scottish assemblies.

Proposing the resolution, John Foster for the executive committee underlined the urgency of the situation with the Smith Commission due to report in two weeks' time.

Legislation enshrining devo max - giving maximum tax powers to Scotland - is also due by the end of January.

Mr Foster predicted that this will see Scottish MPs withdrawing from debate at Westminster on all matters of finance.

"This development will create by default an English Parliament over the next 12 months," he said. "We in the CP must provide an alternative.

"The danger of reactionary federalism has been brought about by a growing disillusionment with what has been perceived as the political class and its failure to deliver for working people.

"This has resulted in a malaise that has seen growing support for nationalist parties in Scotland and Ukip in England. We need to restore the class perspective for democracy."