Alistair Darling threatens to walk out of STV independence debate with Salmond
Alistair Darling, head of the pro-UK Better Together campaign group, has threatened to walk out of a televised TV debate with his nemesis, Alex Salmond, after accusing broadcaster STV of caving into the First Minister’s demands.
STV wants to reschedule the planned encounter from 16 July after Salmond said he would not participate unless UK Prime Minister David Cameron also took part – despite insisting for months that the schedule was non-negotiable.
Salmond did say he was prepared to debate with Darling, but not until August. This prompted Better Together to retort that they would not participate in a rescheduled event to suit Salmond.
In a statement the group said: “This is astonishing stuff. STV told us that they would not negotiate on the date of this debate. They were emphatic that the date would not change. That hard line stance lasted until Salmond decided that, even although he was free on that date, he didn’t fancy debating Alistair. STV have simply rolled over. It is not on.”
Better Together have now accepted a rival BBC offer to host a debate on 12 August for another chance at a Salmond/Darling face-off.
A spokesperson for Salmond said: “This outburst at STV from the no campaign shows they are rattled and fraying at the edges. Our position is clear and has been throughout – we will pursue the prime minister for a head to head debate on STV's proposed date of July 16 or in advance of the Commonwealth games.
“And the only thing stopping a debate on that date is David Cameron's refusal to step up to the plate. If he continues to duck the debate, we will take on Alistair Darling after the Commonwealth games.”