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.

Mr Salmond, I can't tell you of how many stories I've heard of intimidation by those on the YES side. I know you'll probably write it off as sour grapes from the No side or just part of the rough and tumble of an election campaign, but I've heard so many stories now, I know that it's much more than that. From what I know of you, I can't imagine that you'd be proud of a climate in which people feel scared to speak on this issue, for fear of retribution. So my question is this: What happens if Scotland does become independent? How can you reassure those who don't want it to happen that they'll be able to speak freely afterwards and that this isn't a forerunner for what an independent Scotland will be like?

Sarah, as reassured as it's possible to be! Many thanks.

So we're with Alex Salmond and lots of lovely babies at an internet cafe in sunny Edinburgh and we'll be kicking off soon.

lots of similar questions regarding yes campaign intimidation and also nationality/citizenship, so I do hope these ones get answered

Great request, TheBigBumTheory.

... and Justine just sent us this pic from Edinburgh: preparations underway, clearly ...

AD - The "new powers" which don't really seem to be anywhere close to Devo Max, what are these and can they be guaranteed regardless of what party wins the 2015 GE and would it be ensured that these cannot be dismissed by a WM vote? (Given the Daily Mail is all for telling Scots to shove it)

AS - I do worry about the taxation after the vote, can you outline what plans there will be to help anyone who would be affected by interest rates rising and affecting mortgages etc.

I think the YES campaign as truly shown how grassroots politics can be done and the negativity and lies produced by BT is shameful.

So we're with Alex Salmond and lots of lovely babies at an internet cafe

Alex Salmond eats babies ?!

And we're almost ready to go in Glasgow, being serenaded by street jazz.

Question for AS: In light of the extreme clarity with which it has been made clear that rUK will not enter into a currency union with an independent Scotland. How do you reconcile your stated option of using the pound anyway, which will mean passing a wide range of monetary policy tools back to the UK with a majority vote for independence?

Hello there. Alex Salmond here. Ready when you are.

Hello Mr Salmond,
How long will it take from the time of a postive Yes vote to the practical implementation of a new country, eg new passports, border controls, etc?

Question for AS: Is it true that in either a CU or steringisation the Bank of England will dicatate interest rates in Scotland and can veto Scotland's spending plans? Why have you chosen a currency route (CU or sterlingisation) that does not give Scotland full control over its economy?

What do you think if Sir Ian Wood's recent comments on the oil reserve estimates?

Aw, I love Alex Salmond :) GOOD JOB ALEX! You are great!

Hello to all Mumsnet users

It's really good that so many people are entering what's such an important debate. This is one the most important decisions we'll ever take not just for us but for our children and their children.

I'm looking forward to hearing what you've got to say and answering your questions.

Alistair

I have nothing useful to add to the discussion, except that I think Alex Salmond is ace

@Franmat

For AS. Many promises have been made re. free childcare provision, education etc. If there is a yes vote, will we not then have to vote in a new Government? How, then, can you make promises which your successor may not be happy to honour? It is like the Tories trying to commit the Labour party to a Conservative manifesto.

Hi, Fran. You're quite right to say that the real point about independence is that the people of Scotland will choose their own government in the spring of 2016. The White Paper makes that very clear. However, we thought it was important to spell out some of the policies that we would like to see if we were fortunate enough to be chosen by the people. Hence, our ideas for a radical expansion of childcare which carries so much support and enthusiasm and would take provision in Scotland to levels only really seen in Scandinavia.

I plan to vote yes primarily due to disgust at current actions in WM. My question is, am I being short-sighted in doing this, will there be better times ahead for WM politics?

Mr. Salmond, even in the event of a YES vote, will you be bringing the BBC to account for their Unionist bias during the reporting of this referendum?

How many people pay attention to what's happening in Scandinavia anyway? I'm not saying its not great but it certainly doesn't get international notice.

Question for Alex Salmond. What confidence can you give me and my family in the event of an Independent Scotland. We are Higher rate tax payers, mortgage holders and my husband is a business owner (60+ % turnover from UK based companies). We don't and never have claimed benefits -we don't seem to fit in your demographic.

No question as such given that I can't actually vote even though this affects me being English and living in England But... DH is Scottish so why can't he vote just because he lives in England? (That's a rhetorical question, BTW). It does change things for us as a family. For instance, do we have to apply for our children to have dual-citizenship and different passports if Scotland becomes independent?

For AS: I just don't understand how you can feel confident leading this country if there is no guarantee that we can keep the pound, if you plan to default on national debt, and the majority of financial institutions insist there will be massive economic troubles ahead. How can you be confident against such critical certainty from a number of economic experts? How can you reassure me that Scotland will not enter a long period of austerity and recession?