Scottish Independence: Mervyn King to meet Salmond

The outgoing governor of the Bank of England will meet the First Minister today, raising the prospect of talks on the SNP leader’s proposal for a sterling currency union in the event of Scottish independence.

Sir Mervyn King will meet Alex Salmond. Picture: Getty

Sir Mervyn King will be in Edinburgh to visit Alex Salmond as part of a “farewell tour”.

Mr Salmond’s fiscal commission has already endorsed the proposal, which would require the rest of the UK to agree to a formal deal to share the pound.

Opponents of the plan argue there is no guarantee that a deal can be reached and warn it will come with strict terms and conditions for Scotland.

‘Safe hands’

A spokesman for the Mr Salmond said: “The First Minister is very much looking forward to welcoming Sir Mervyn to Edinburgh.

“It was Sir Mervyn who agreed to the technical discussions which have already taken place between the Bank of England and the fiscal commission, and Mr Salmond is pleased he is now coming to Scotland as part of his farewell tour before stepping down as governor.”

Signing off his final annual report on yesterday, the 65-year-old governor said he is leaving the institution “in safe hands”.

He will be succeeded by Mark Carney, from Canada.