Why Has Dave Turned Down This Offer?

[ToraToraTora]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-24297286
It's an easy one to win so I can only assume he agrees with "independence".

[jno]

because he's terrified it would like a debate of two equals.

[Old_Geezer]

I expect he doesn't want to give it more importance than he need do.

[Bazile]

Because whatever you think about Salmond , he comes across as a better debater and is more articulate , than Dave , and Dave and his advisers knows this .

[Buenchico]

DC probably turned down the offer because he was advised that the debate could get hijacked into wider, and trickier, issues.

For example, there's a great deal of confusion about what the status of Scotland would be within the EU after gaining independence. (Alex Salmond seems to be assuming that Scotland could automatically remain within the EU, whereas EU officials have stated that Scotland would have to apply for admission). Discussion around that topic could open up wider debate about the UK's relationship with the EU, which DC would be keen to avoid (as it tends to divide his own party).

[Zeuhl]

Would it not be inappropriate for the Premier to take the lead arguing either side of the argument which is already destined for Referendum?

Much better an old stager no longer central to government does so

[Baldric]

Probably thinks the same as the rest of us South of the Border,
"So what!"

[Gromit]

It might be he thinks an Englishman (aren't his grandparents Scottish?) might do more harm than good in talking to the Scots about independence.

[jno]

I wonder what the French think?

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/27/new-asterix-release-family-feud

[Zeuhl]

^
Yes

Alistair Darling is a bit more Scottish

and he's Labour

so he might at least get a few words in edgeways

[jomifl]

It's a Scottish squabble, nothing to do with the English. It is obvious that the 'auld troot' thinks he will benefit from the exposure, though surely most Scots have heard of him?

[Bazile]

//It's a Scottish squabble, nothing to do with the English.//

Yes it has - revenues from north sea oil

[jomifl]

Baz, Scotland doesn't own the North Sea.

[Zeuhl]

^
LOL bazile

I've lost touch, what is the latest on transferring that to an independent Shetland Isles

[Bazile]

//Baz, Scotland doesn't own the North Sea. //

Not all of it , no :-)

[Bazile]

//LOL bazile

I've lost touch, what is the latest on transferring that to an independent Shetland Isles //

Shetland what - where is that then ? :-)

[doctordb]

Because the prime minister isn't falling for salmond's attempt to turn the debate into an England v Scotland match.

[modeller]

If Salmond wants it , then it's not in DCs. interest. Salmond is a minion on the world stage. Why should Dave waste his time. Look what happened at our last election another minion got far far more publicity than his little party warranted .
If the Scots want to base their future on the diminishing asset of oil they are not so canny as I thought.

[Peter Pedant]

agree jno

the only reason Salmon wants an independent Scotland is that he wants to be a prime minister.

Dave is already one - lose - lose for him.

Salmond was on teevee talking aboutt he english prime minister being dragged screaming in to a tv studio
and then next breath the UK govt may penalise Scotland


I wonder if 16 y od voters in S are that gormless....

[FredPuli43]

Because he doesn't think it worth his time and doesn't want to make Salmond look important enough to merit it. And he doesn't know as much as the man he's nominated, so he avoids embarrassment.

[Wharton]

For once Cameron has shown some sense. He knows perfectly well that Salmond would wipe the floor with him in any open political debate. The clever bit however is that he's offered up sacrificial lambs to take Salmond on, knowing that Salmond isn't interested. The feartie has let himself off the hook and at the same time left the Westminster tribal hut doors wide open for the other fearties to escape. I wonder who thought it up for him.