Better Together willing to hold TV debate talks

SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE: The No campaign last night said it was willing to enter talks to resolve a row over STV’s plans to host a debate between Alistair Darling and Alex Salmond.

Alistair Darling in TV row. Picture: Greg Macvean

A statement from Better Together said it was willing to discuss the event with STV, provided the television company was prepared to negotiate with both sides of the debate.

Plans for a the debate were thrown into doubt earlier this week when Better Together claimed STV had revised plans to screen the event on 16 July – moving it until after the Commonwealth Games at the behest of Alex Salmond.

Yesterday the First Minister tweeted that he had accepted a STV invitation for a debate with Mr Darling on 5 August. Mr Salmond had originally wanted to debate David Cameron on 16 July but the Prime Minister has refused to get involved.

The First Minister tweeted: “Even if David Cameron ducks out of 16 July the #IndyRef debate is on - just accepted STV proposal for debate with Alistair Darling on 5 Aug.”

Mr Darling has agreed to take part in a BBC debate with Mr Salmond on 12 August. The First Minister has yet to respond to the Corporation’s invitation.

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