PoliticsScottish referendumAlistair Darling bank of england

5 Things Alistair Darling Should Ask Alex Salmond In Tonight's Debate

5 Questions Darling Should Ask Salmond In Tonight's Debate
Asa Bennett
|
Open Image Modal
ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 17: Alex Salmond, Scotlands First Minister addresses a Business for Scotland event on February 17, 2014 in Aberdeen, Scotland. Scotlands first minister mounted his defence for independence following a weekend of pressure on whether Scotland could keep sterling as its AA currency or expect a smooth entry into the EU. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images

Alistair Darling and will Alex Salmond duke it out tonight over Scottish independence for two hours in a live televised debate on the Scottish STV channel.

With Scotland's potential status as an independent nation at stake, some are billing it as the most important TV debate in British history, with Salmond widely expected to triumph due to his rhetorical panache and debating prowess

See also:

How will the softly-spoken Darling manage to win against the flamboyant Scottish premier? Here are five questions he could put to Salmond that could derail his independence argument live on Scottish television.

5 Questions Darling Should Ask Salmond In Tonight's STV Debate
How can an independent Scotland stay in the EU and keep the pound? (01 of05)
Open Image Modal
Assuming no country like Spain blocked Scotland's entry into the European Union, how could they keep the pound? In order to join, Salmond will be forced to give up the pound as all new member states must sign up to join the euro. (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
How can you want independence with an economy overseen by a foreign bank? (02 of05)
Open Image Modal
According to Salmond, England woud let Scotland use the pound, meaning interest rates would be set by the Bank of England, which would effectively be a foreign body. Bank governor Mark Carney himself warned that independence would require "some ceding of national sovereignty". (credit:David Cheskin/PA Archive)
How can an independent Scotland depend on "mostly depleted" oil reserves?(03 of05)
Open Image Modal
Scotland would benefit by nearly £7 billion in its first year of independence, according to Salmond's white paper. However one of his own advisers estimates the revenue would be £2 billion less, while the head of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries says the reserves are "mostly depleted". (credit:Colin Rennie/Aberdeen Press and/PA Archive)
How do you promise so much without public spending or welfare cuts? (04 of05)
Open Image Modal
Salmond has made “at least £670m” of unfunded commitments in his White Pape for independence, according to the Confederation of British Industry, “despite the Scottish government’s statement that it’s immediate policy plans are fiscally neutral”. (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Why do you you call us"negative" yet ignore the viciousness of your own supporters? (05 of05)
Open Image Modal
Salmond has labelled the Better Together pro-unionist campaign the "most negative campaign in modern times". But the first minister has overlooked the conduct of some of his supporters, who have reacted abusively to businesses who warn against independence like Barrhead Travel and pro-unionist supporters like JK Rowling. (credit:Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip