FMQs: Lamont attacks Salmond over currency plan

ALEX Salmond was told his flagship plans for a Currency Union between Scotland and the rest of the UK in the event of Scottish independence were “over” by Labour leader Johann Lamont today.

First Minister Alex Salmond. Picture: Jane Barlow

Lamont’s claim at Holyrood’s First Minister’s questions came after Bank of England governor Mark Carney warned that an independent Scotland would have to surrender key economic levers over interest rates to join a currency union.

The Labour leader claimed that Mr Salmond had “lost it” over his plans to retain the Pound under independence after his talks with Mr Carney in Edinburgh yesterday.

Ms Lamont said that Mr Salmond was “no longer even defending the concept of independence” as she called on the First Minister to set out an alternative currency plan.

First Minister Alex Salmond. Picture: Jane Barlow

She said: “I’m not sure at what point an argument simply become delusion and. This is a ludicrous defence by a man who used to cry freedom.”

However, Mr Salmond insisted that an independent Scotland would have full powers over tax and that this would mean MSPs could deliver a plan for the “transformation of childcare”.

Mr Salmond said that the full control of taxation was independence and claimed Holyrood would be able to abolish policies such as the controversial Bedroom Tax.