Scottish Referendum debate - watch with Mumsnet

[KatieMumsnet]

So tonight sees the first TV debate of the Scottish Referendum with First Minister and key advocate of the pro- yes campaign, Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling, leader of the pro-UK Better Together campaign coming together for a head to head debate for the first time.

You can watch live from 8pm on STV and if you're south of the border can tune in via the STV player.

Fancy watching along with us? What are you hoping to see from tonight's debate? What are your thoughts on the campaigns so far?

If you've decided which way to vote, why? And if not, what will help you decide?

Do feel free to share these, and any more thoughts you have

[Numanoid]

I hope that tonight's debate gets the point across that a Yes vote is not a vote for Salmond! Too many people seem to think an independent Scotland will automatically be run by the SNP - it won't.

As for my views, I've always been a Yes voter. Westminster have made it plainly clear that if it's a No, they will crack down on Scotland to ensure that we're never allowed to try to govern ourselves again. We need a government that cares about Scotland, not just southern England. It isn't about breaking up the UK, it's about Scotland standing on its own two feet, subsequently benefiting the Scottish people more.

[SirChenjin]

I'm hoping that the SNP show themselves for what they really are, and let those of us who really care about Scotland go forward in peace and stronger within a United Kingdom. Having said that, I won't be watching - I'm thoroughly sick of the whole thing.

[SunnyL]

Whatever the result in the referendum we're still going to be living side by side with our fellow voters. There has been horrible vitriol on both sides of the campaign. I'd like tonight's debate to be a dignified affair - the trouble is neither side wishes to concede when the other has a valid point.

I have my views on which way I'd like the vote to go but I'm not happy with the way either side has run its campaign to date.

[SirChenjin]

Agree re the vitriol. For all the claims of it being a fair, open and positive campaign it's been anything but.

[FannyFifer]

The SNP have always show themselves for what they are, a party looking out for Scotland's interests.

They have done a great job since becoming the Scottish Government since 2007.

They have protected our country as much as they can from what's happening elsewhere in the UK.

Darling is an utter nobody, a backbench MP, part of a government that brought us illegal wars, flipped his home several times & is currently making a fortune giving speeches about the indyref, over £30'000 last year, who knows how much this year.

He is a liar & a man only looking out for his own interests, trying desperately for that seat in the House of Lords.

Debate makes no difference, the Panelbase poll & audience will of course be weighted toward the unionists, as per.

Makes no difference because YES will win next month.

[FannyFifer]

Also Mumsnet, Alex Salmond is not head of the Yes campaign, Blair Jenkins is.

[SunnyL]

Fanny you're kind of adding to my point. We all want wants best for Scotland but have differing views of how to achieve that.

[squoosh]

I absolutely have referendum fatigue. Roll on September 18th................and the months and months of post referendum dissection.

[FannyFifer]

I'm loving all the referendum stuff, I'm out campaigning loads, people who have never before been interested in politics are engaging & becoming involved. Really exciting times.

[KatieMumsnet]

Sorry FannyFifer wanted to signify he wasn't just First Minister but also a big part of the Yes Campaign. Felt top-dog was a bit too informal. Will tweak.

[FannyFifer]

[FannyFifer]

Panic stations before the debates see, getting Nick Clegg to sign pledges, not exactly a good track record with keeping his pledge.
wingsoverscotland.com/nick-clegg-signs-a-pledge/

[FannyFifer]

i see

[OldLadyKnowsSomething]

www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/08/04/scottish-independence-alex-salmond-alistair-darling-tv-debate_n_5646746.html Just had an interesting chat with my sister, a Don't Know, about this. I'd commented on FB that I'd seen several references to the above HuffPost article, and pointed out that the debate is being livestreamed globally so it is available south of the border. Reading the article I felt it was saying that STV wouldn't put it on the telly because rUK don't have a vote, with a touch of the "ner ner ner ner ner" about it. It's my understanding that each ITV company buys what it wants from the others, so it's not the fault of STV that it's not on the telly... My sister read it as rUK aren't interested, and felt it gives the lie to the recent "We want you to stay" lovebombing. I'm not sure where I'm going with this, just wanted to write it down, I think.

[Crutchlow35]

I will watch but I cannot wait for it to be over.

There has been a 2 week lull which has been wonderful while the Games have been on but from yesterday it is fully back in the news.

I had the misfortune of "liking" the NO vote on facebook which horrified me. I was sadened to read so many YES voters on the NO page and how the treated anyone with any questions, comments or concerns. The language and abusive comments were awful.

Yes, I know some will see that as being facebook and what did you expect but it does worry me that voters cannot (on either side) ask genuine questions without bully boy tactics and aggressive behaviour.

I am voting No. Always have thought that and nothing has happened in the lead up to change my mind.

[FannyFifer]

People asking genuine questions & looking for info are pretty much answered politely on the YES Scotland page, prob is you get people who are quite obviously posting to get a rise out of people.

I guess on the NO page people feel they are counteracting their "facts" with info & links.

The most offensive posters are generally people pretending to be the other side and stirring up nonsense, they are pretty obvious & it gets a bit boring.

[Crutchlow35]

Personally, I felt both pages were as bad as each other.

[Numanoid]

Crutchlow The only time I have been subjected to utterly disgusting abuse is on the Better Together page. I also witnessed a pensioner being verbally abused by them. I was polite, as was he, as I think debate is healthy. But they have nothing else to fall back on, as there really are no benefits for us being a part of the UK.

SirChenjin Sorry, I know it's a debate with different viewpoints, but I truly think those of us who care about Scotland don't want to be suppressed by Westminster any longer. They are scared, as they need us more than we need them. They have vowed to ensure that we are never allowed to do this again should we dare to act up and want to stand on our own two feet. It's getting too insulting.

[Numanoid]

To add to the above, there will be abuse on both sides, unfortunately. But in all honesty, I find the Yes Scotland page to be more welcoming, with proper, well-formed arguments.

I have tried and tried to get answers from BT. I'll never vote No, but I wanted them to justify the points in their leaflets since they are full of contradictions. Their campaigners ignore me (I hadn't said which way I was voting, just asked for further explanation on points made). Anyone else I know who has asked has also been ignored by them.

I'm not trying to be rude to anyone, but with all that said, I find it hard to believe that being in the UK is in Scotland's best interests. I think everyone is entitled to an opinion and a vote. I actually think the referendum has gotten more people interested in politics, which is surely a good thing. I quite like all the campaigning, etc. :)

[OOAOML]

I hope that the debate shows it isn't all about Salmond and the SNP, nor is it about Cameron and the Tories. I find it very depressing when people have such a short-term view on the question.

To those who mention the Facebook aspect - that has been pretty vile at times but is hopefully a minority on both sides.

those of us who care about Scotland - that's pretty offensive, a lot of people on both sides care deeply about Scotland, they just have different ideas on the way forward.

Agree with those who say the growth of interest in politics has been great. I've never been very involved in politics before but am now because I feel so strongly about this.

[squoosh]

'I truly think those of us who care about Scotland.'

That attitude hacks me RIGHT off.

[FannyFifer]

Ok how about those of us that care about Scotland being fairly represented?

How can anyone think having a conservative government with only one conservative MP in our country is right.

Our votes make no difference, just like at the next general election when conservatives get in again then have a vote on the EU, our votes again will make no difference.

[OldLadyKnowsSomething]

Have to agree (see, OOAOML, we do agree sometimes! ) that I hope the debate shows it's not about Salmond/Cameron, it's a far bigger deal than that. This is about how we want our country to be run, not until the next General Election, but forever.

[SunnyL]

I'd like to reiterate - we're not on different sides. We all want the best for Scotland we just have opposing views as to how we achieve this.

The unpleasant behaviour and language used by both sides is undignified and not something I want to associate with whichever way I vote.

I like Alistair Darling. He was my MP until recently (I moved) and I found him very very useful for sorting out some issues I had for my business.

I also like Alex Salmond. My god you'd always want him on your side in an argument.

I'd like them both to maintain some dignity through this and remember - at the end of the day we are all Scottish and must all live side-by-side whatever the result.