Scottish Referendum debate: Alistair Darling and Alex Salmond, Wednesday September 10th, 1.45-2.45pm

[JustineMumsnet]

Hi all,

We're delighted to announce that Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling will both be joining us on Mumsnet this Wednesday at 1.45pm, to take part in a live debate in the lead-up to the Scottish Referendum on September 18th.

The decision with which Scottish voters are faced this month constitutes a significant moment in the history - and future - of Scotland and the UK. And with polls currently predicting a result that's too close to call, this final showdown between the two leaders could potentially prove decisive.

The debate will be conducted along typical Mumsnet webchat lines, but with each guest free to question and respond to the answers of the other. We know the referendum has been a topic of serious discussion on the site (we're currently on IndyRef thread number seven - and counting ...) so in order to ensure that the leaders answer your questions, we're restricting the ability to post to Mumsnetters who'd been members of the site for more than 24 hours before the launch of this thread. Otherwise, the usual guidelines apply.

Please join us on Wednesday at 1.45pm - and if you can't make it then, as ever, do post up any comments or questions in advance.

AS Didn't answer any questions about currency or about the EU fib. We did get patronised tho.

Mythreeknights - I think it is impossible to tell as there are people commenting who don't live in Scotland. It is those living in Scotland who will determine the outcome.

A shame they couldn't answer more and they were very selective - repeating lots of things they've said a million times. I think it just goes to show that we have all the information we're going to get. Best of luck fellow voters and let's hope that what is best for the greater good wins out. x

I think AS has the sparkier replies, but the lack of clarity from both on the economics of the thing will lend itself to the No vote.

Alistair, I think by now you would have realised that with almost 3,000 Scottish businesses supporting Business for Scotland, with some of Scotland's greatest wealth-creators on board

Mr Salmond perhaps you could tell us how much of Scotland's GDP Business for Scotland represent? Or how many people they employ? Research has shown me they have 0.5% of GDP and many do not employ anyone at all. Of course you have an occasional large employer - but don't pretend they speak for the entire Scottish business community.

not entitled to use our own currency It has been pointed out many times that we could indeed use the pound - but not in a currency union and therefore with very grave consequences. With respect, just because you think something should happen, doesn't mean it will.

And Mr Salmond's final answer is not an answer, but an attack. Really? Answer the questions, please. You must have answers.

We can stay and keep trying or we can leave and give up.

And the conservatives took it away.
Means nothing, either way.

Choice on currency doesn't matter. Leaving the UK and applying to join the EU means accepting the Euro.

peace hear hear! Interesting times.

Take it none of us have changed our minds?

Mr Salmond, your tone is hugely, hugely patronising. You are doing yourself no favours.

Surprisingly not

itsallgoingtobefine of course Scotland can make a difference. We don't just have to stand in solidarity and watch, we can campaign, work together, mobilise as has happened in Scotland over independence, and MPs can take their seats in Westminster and make better policy.

Finally, Alistair, it seems passing strange that you didn't manage to think of these things during the debate we had on BBC two weeks ago

Perhaps Alistair couldn't get a word in over your interruptions, Mr Salmond.

Well that was interesting. Not a lot new mind you. I too wouldve liked an answer, I feel like nothing has been said much about energy. In the next 10yrs we will be net importers and simply there is little way for the bills to go bar upward. There is simply no way to replace the capacity we lose in the next 10 years. Particularly not with renewables alone.

Completely agree odd commentator. The disingenuousness over the currency and EU are flabbergasting.

I think the idea of never having another Tory Government is appealing.

@wwbuffydo

Can I ask both Alex and Alistair why it's more important to rescue a family in Glasgow from needing a foodbank than doing the same for a family in Manchester?

I don't want to stop poverty in my back yard, I want to stop it altogether, and that is why I think that nationalism is fundamentally a selfish and divisive movement.

I care, as I'm sure you do, about poverty and inequality all over this planet and do whatever I can in any way I can to mitigate its effects and help. However, each of us also has a particular responsibility to do what we can about unfairness in our own country and Scotland is a country not a county; a nation, not a region. Many of us think that nation has the right to elect a government of our choice at each and every election. I believe passionately that any such government will choose not to participate in illegal wars, will choose not to waste billions on nuclear weapons and will choose not to allow society to be so unequal that tens of thousands of our fellow citizens can't afford to feed their families and the wages they earn or because of the gaping holes which are opening in the social security system particularly affecting those with disability.

Responsible self-government is of course the foundation of true internationalism and the independence we seek is progressive for the social fabric of Scotland and the way in which we seek it is an exemplar internationally.

Wonderful question on which to finish. Good-bye and good luck!

Anyone else shouting at the screen? Just answer the question! Answer the question! Please answer the question. I think Mr Darling made more of an effort. Mr Salmond's last post was pretty poor.

A shame they couldn't answer more and they were very selective - repeating lots of things they've said a million times.

Very true

Thank you to you both , and to Mumsnet for organising this

Regarding Salmond's last response, AGAIN he is evading answering the question and simply responds in rhetoric.

UNBELIEVABLE!

Salmond is not telling the truth!