Scottish independence: Darling and Salmond set for TV debate

 
TV showdown: The debate comes as Westminster pledged further devolution to Holyrood (Getty)
Joseph Watts5 August 2014
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George Osborne today promised Scots “the best of both worlds” if they vote to stay in the United Kingdom in September’s referendum.

The Chancellor said a deal offered by the three big Westminster parties would give Scotland the economic benefits of the Union but with unprecedented new powers.

It could see Scotland’s parliament gain control of tax and benefit policy and was announced before a critical TV debate on independence tonight.

SNP Leader Alex Salmond will go head-to-head with Alistair Darling, the spokesman for the “Better Together” campaign.

Mr Osborne said many powers had already been passed to Holyrood and that Scots should judge the three parties’ offer on their track record.

Speaking on BBC news, he said: “Across all parties [there is] a belief, whether it’s tax or benefits or the like, there’s more that Scotland can decide in Scotland, and that is the best of both worlds.

SNP leader: Alex Salmond

“That is Scotland — part of a United Kingdom, with all the economic benefits and broader benefits that brings, but also Scotland, in charge of the things that matter to Scots.”

David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg put their names to today’s declaration promising further devolution if Scots reject independence.

All three parties have produced proposals to hand powers north if they win the 2015 election. It means the Scottish parliament would get further control over income tax and housing benefit.

Better Together: Alistair Darling

A No 10 spokesman said Mr Cameron was “completely united” with Mr Darling as he enters tonight’s debate.

The Prime Minister and Mr Clegg are expected to make statements before the debate underlining their opposition to independence.

With just over six weeks to go before the referendum, the “No” campaign holds a steady lead over the “Yes” camp. The latest poll by Survation showed 46 per cent would vote “No” and 40 per cent “Yes”, with 14 per cent undecided.

However, some polls show that up to a quarter of Scotland’s 4 million voters remain undecided.

Despite the gap in the polls, Mr Salmond is favourite to win the two-hour debate. Mr Darling, a former Labour Chancellor, is seen as a steady and safe pair of hands, but is expected to give a more prosaic performance.

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