Government 'bullying' on Scots poll

Alex Salmond said he is prepared to hold referendum talks with David Cameron
12 April 2012

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has accused the UK Government of "bullying" Scottish voters over plans for an independence referendum but agreed to hold talks with David Cameron on the way forward.

After a week of friction between London and Edinburgh over the preparations for a national poll, the SNP leader offered to meet "in Edinburgh, in London or wherever" once he publishes proposals on January 25.

Just a few hours earlier Mr Salmond claimed Westminster was attempting to "intimidate" Scotland over the independence bid.

"Bullying and hectoring the Scottish people from London ain't gonna work," he said in a broadcast interview shortly before attending a British-Irish Council summit in Dublin.

"What we're seeing is the most extraordinary attempt to bully and intimidate Scotland by Westminster politicians."

But he struck a more conciliatory tone at a press conference at the end of the Council, which brings together representatives of national and devolved governments from across the British Isles, urging constructive talks "whatever our views on events of recent days".

He said: "What I have said to the Deputy Prime Minister, which I think is similar to what the Prime Minister said in the House of Commons, is that, once we've published the Scottish Government's consultation document, I am very happy to meet the Prime Minister or the Deputy Prime Minister in Edinburgh, in London or wherever to talk through these things in a positive way.

"Far better, whatever our views on events of recent days, that we can come to a constructive dialogue. I think that's what the people would expect and I think that can take us forward. Once we publish our proposals, perhaps some of the fears that people have will dissolve in the light of these proposals being published."

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who also attended the summit, rejected the bullying claim, insisting the UK Government respected the Scottish Parliament's mandate to hold a referendum but was obliged to ensure that it was done legally.

He added: "That's why we have actually - far from intimidating or bullying anybody - we have actually said we will give to the Scottish Government, to clarify any legal ambiguities, the power to hold a referendum in a legally unambiguous manner."

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