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Salmond presses Cameron for Scottish independence debate
Alex Salmond has reiterated his calls for a debate on Scottish independence with the Prime Minister, as the 100-day countdown to the referendum approaches.
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Salmond reiterates calls for independence debate
Alex Salmond has reiterated his calls for a debate on Scottish independence with the Prime Minister.
The move comes after a new poll suggesting English politicians getting involved in a debate would more likely make Scots vote for independence.
The Scottish First Minister also said he was surprised by Barack Obama's comments on independence.
He said:
"It was certainly surprising because the American government had made it very clear that they were staying studiously neutral in the democratic referendum that is taking place in Scotland.
"But of course David Cameron has been begging everybody internationally to say anything to help him in his travails at the present moment."
Lib Dems want 'stronger Scotland within UK family'
Pro-union campaigners and party activists should make a positive case for a "stronger Scottish parliament which stays in the UK family", Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said.
In a message to activists, he said: "With 100 days until the referendum, Liberal Democrats have a golden opportunity to loudly state our case for home rule for Scotland in a federal United Kingdom.
"We know that the majority of people in our communities, in our colleges and workplaces believe Scotland has the best of both worlds as part of the UK family.
"They agree with our liberal message that Scotland benefits from a strong Scottish parliament which shapes its own domestic agenda on matters like health and education whilst working across the UK family to boost jobs and growth.
"But we need to make sure that that majority of people hear our message over the summer months. I need you to get out and make our positive, sunshine case for a stronger Scotland which works together as part of the UK."
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Salmond: Yes vote only guarantee of further powers
Independence is the only guarantee of more powers for Scotland despite pro-union parties outlining plans for further devolution under a No vote, First Minister Alex Salmond said.
Scotland urged to grasp independence 'with both hands'
First Minister Alex Salmond has urged Scotland to grasp independence "with both hands" as the 100-day countdown to the referendum approaches.
Mr Salmond said: "Tomorrow marks the start of that countdown to what will be one of the most exciting and historic days this nation has ever seen.
"It will be a decision on whether we are to be an independent country once again, joining the international community as an equal partner after an absence of more than 300 years.
"The referendum on September 18 is the biggest opportunity Scotland has had in those three centuries and it is one I firmly believe we will grasp with both hands".
He added that the "eyes of the world are on Scotland" but the international focus would only remain "with a Yes vote" on September 18.
Salmond: Independence creates opportunity for UK
First Minister Alex Salmond said Scottish Independence will create an opportunity for the rest of the UK "to address the economic and social challenges it faces".
Mr Salmond, who is confident of a Yes vote on September 18, made the comments as the 100-day countdown to the referendum approaches.
He said: "Independence will mean Scotland is no longer subject to Westminster policies imposed against the wishes of our democratic representatives".
"A quarter of a century ago it was Margaret Thatcher's poll tax - today it is the bedroom tax and the ongoing obscenity of Trident weapons of mass destruction located just a short distance from Scotland's largest city.
"An independent Scotland will also help to rebalance the economy across these islands, to everyone's benefit, and present an opportunity for the rest of the UK to address the economic and social challenges it faces."