Keep William Wallace out of it says Danny Alexander, Daily Mail

I am a Highlander. I spent my early years on Colonsay in the Hebrides, then moved to Lochaber and went to high school in Fort William. One of the most powerful memories of this time was seeing the Commando memorial at Spean Bridge twice a day from the school bus.

This imposing monument commemorates the role played by young men from all over the UK in protecting our freedom during the Second World War.

It’s a sight I have in mind as we approach the decision next month on whether Scotland should break away from the UK and become independent.

That memorial, a tribute to the extraordinary strength of our family of nations, is something I will think of when I watch this week’s TV debate between Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling.

It’s not often you’ll see a Liberal Democrat rooting for an ex-Labour Cabinet Minister like Darling. But now, more than ever, with only a few weeks until the referendum, is a time to lay down party political differences and stand up for the interests of Scotland – and the UK.

Expect fireworks, rhetorical flourishes and verbal acrobatics from the Scottish First Minister.

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Independence: RBS reiterate ‘Yes’ concerns, The Scotsman Newspaper

THE Royal Bank of Scotland has repeated its warning of a “material adverse effect” on its business if voters back independence in next month’s referendum.

The bank, which is 80 per cent owned by the taxpayer, highlighted the potential for uncertainty caused by a Yes vote, which it said could significantly impact the group’s credit ratings as well as the fiscal, monetary, legal and regulatory landscape to which the business is subject.

In a section outlining the risk factors facing the group, RBS said in its half-year results that independence could “significantly impact the group’s costs and would have a material adverse effect on the group’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects”.

The stark warning from the bank is in line with a statement it made in its annual report earlier this year about the consequences of independence.

The company, which has maintained a neutral position ahead of the vote, has been holding talks with the Bank of England, UK Financial Investments and the Scottish and UK Governments over the referendum.

Half-year results from the bank confirmed figures published last week showing a big jump in operating profits to £2.6 billion. It said it has benefited from the improving economy, reduced bad debts and the quicker run down of non-core assets.

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'Referenda are always a gamble': Kenneth Clarke slams David Cameron for allowing Scotland to vote on independence Daily Mail

Ken Clark MP.

Kenneth Clarke has accused David Cameron of ‘taking a gamble’ with the future of the United Kingdom by allowing Scotland a referendum on independence.

The veteran Tory, who left the Cabinet in this month’s reshuffle, made clear his disapproval of the vote on September 18.

‘Referenda are always a gamble,’ warned Mr Clarke. ‘To have big complicated questions decided by one vote on one day is not as good as a continuous process of parliamentary debate.

‘Having risked the future of the United Kingdom, I trust that the good sense of the Scottish people will keep it together. 

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Talks begin on devolution for whole of UK, The Scotsman

Carwyn Jones and David Cameron

High -level discussions about setting up a constitutional convention after the next election to create a devolution settlement for the whole of the United Kingdom have begun, a Cabinet minister confirmed yesterday.

Stephen Crabb, the newly appointed Conservative Welsh Secretary, who is regarded as one of the key government figures driving forward the devolution agenda, told Scotland on Sunday the prospect of a UK constitutional convention in the next parliament had been discussed.

Stephen Crabb

He said was one of the subjects aired in a meeting between David Cameron and the Welsh First Minister, Carwyn Jones, held at the Royal Welsh Show last week.

The move is significant with all three parties stating that they will extend powers to ­Holyrood and consider further devolution to Wales, as well 
as looking at how to devolve responsibilities to English ­regions.

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