Scottish independence: 'No one can stop Scotland using the pound,' Alex Salmond claims

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Louise Thomas

Editor

Alex Salmond has claimed “no one can stop” an independent Scotland from using the pound, despite George Osborne’s repeated assertion that sterling will not be shared.

Speaking on Sky, the First Minister said: “All this stuff about being able to be vetoed from using the pound actually isn't true.

"No one can stop us from using (it)."

He said it was “sensible” to hold on to the currency as England is Scotland’s biggest trading partner and there should be a “common sense agreement”.

The Better Together campaign has put the issue at the heart of its arguments about economic uncertainty in the event of a Yes vote.

Alistair Darling has used it repeatedly against Mr Salmond in televised clashes and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, backed by Labour and the Lib Dems, said: “No ifs, no buts, we will not share the pound if Scotland separates from the UK.”

Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, also said a currency union would be “incompatible with sovereignty”.

Mr Salmond has previously outlined several “plan Bs” in the event of Scotland becoming independent but losing the pound.

He said there could be a new currency fixed to the pound, Scotland’s own currency or the continued use of the pound unilaterally.

Politicians on both sides of the debate are continuing their campaign in Scotland today as polls continue to show the result of Thursday's referendum is on a knife-edge.