Salmond issues challenge to Cameron over independence

Alex Salmond has revealed the date his Scottish Government will publish its blueprint for independence.

The white paper, which will make the case for Scotland to leave the UK, will be made public on Tuesday November 26.

As he announced the date to cheers at the SNP annual conference in Perth, the Scottish First Minister also issued a fresh challenge to David Cameron to debate the country’s future with him.

Voters in Scotland will decide if the country remains part of the UK in a referendum in 11 months’ time.

Mr Salmond told party activists with that crunch vote now less than a year away they were the “independence generation”.

He said: “As we move into this crucial year for Scotland we accept, indeed relish, the challenge to furnish the people of Scotland with the information necessary to assess the opportunities of independence.

“I can therefore announce the Scottish Government will publish the white paper on independence on Tuesday, November 26.”

The date is just days before St Andrew’s Day on November 30.

Mr Salmond said the paper would “spell out” what would happen between the referendum and Scotland becoming independent in spring 2016, if there was a Yes vote.

It will also “set out the why of independence” and reveal the SNP’s “vision of Scotland”, he said.

As he revealed the date the key document will be published, Mr Salmond again challenged the British Prime Minister to debate Scotland’s future with him on television.

Mr Cameron has already refused to take part in such a clash, pointing out he will not be able to vote in the referendum.

But the SNP leader said if the Tory would not debate independence with him he should “step out”of the debate over Scotland’s future.

Mr Salmond told him: “Here’s the deal, Prime Minister. We’ll publish the white paper, then you and I must debate. Prime Minister to First Minister.

“The choice is yours. Step up to the plate – or step out of this debate.”