Eyes of the world on independence debate - Darling

The pro and anti-independence campaigns must be conducted in a way that is a “model for the rest of the world” despite the “intensity” of the referendum debate, the leader of the Better Together campaign has said.

Alistair Darling says politicians worldwide are watching how the two sides conduct themselves. Picture: Andrew Cowan

With fewer than four months to go until Scots vote on whether or not to stay in the UK, Alistair Darling warned that politicians of other nations were watching events in Scotland to see how the campaign is conducted.

The Labour politician predicted that campaigning will “just gather in intensity” in the run-up to the 18 September poll.

Speaking at Dundee University last night, he said: “On both sides of the argument people are equally passionate and I just hope in this country we can conduct ourselves in a way that is a model for the rest of the world, because the rest of the world is looking at us.”

Asked if there had been discussions about a debate between himself and Mr Salmond, the former chancellor said “No”. But he said: “I think it would be quite extraordinary if the biggest decision any of us will probably make in our lifetime is not debated on television.” He said time was running out for arrangements.

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