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Scottish independence: Salmond says Scotland is 'on cusp of making history' Scottish independence: Salmond says Scotland is 'on cusp of making history'
(35 minutes later)
Scotland is on the "cusp of making history" by voting for independence, the country's first minister has predicted. Scotland is on the "cusp of making history" by voting for independence, the country's first minister has said.
Alex Salmond described the referendum as a "process of national empowerment".Alex Salmond described the referendum as a "process of national empowerment".
Several banks have revealed their contingency plans for a "Yes" vote, while John Lewis and Asda said prices may rise after independence. He also called for an inquiry into what he said was the leaking of sensitive market data by the Treasury involving RBS plans to move its headquarters to London if voters choose independence.
Labour leader Ed Miliband said a "No" vote would deliver stronger devolved powers for Scotland. Five banks have said they might move operations out of Scotland, while John Lewis and Asda warned prices may rise.
Mr Salmond has called for an inquiry into what he said was the leaking of sensitive market data by the Treasury ahead of a formal announcement by RBS that it would relocate its registered headquarters to London if Scotland votes for independence. RBS confirmed it would relocate its registered headquarters in the event of a "Yes" vote, insisting that the move would not impact jobs or operations.
He was speaking to the international media at an event in Edinburgh which was taking place on the anniversary of the 1997 devolution referendum. Mr Salmond accused the UK government of deliberately leaking the news about RBS to the BBC and other news outlets before the bank made the announcement officially.
A new poll has suggested the "No" campaign holds a narrow lead ahead of next Thursday's independence referendum. Two previous polls suggested the race was neck and neck. He said it was an attempt of scaremongering aimed at damaging the independence campaign and called for an investigation into civil servants leaking market sensitive information.
The SNP leader was speaking to the international media at an event in Edinburgh, which was taking place on the anniversary of the 1997 devolution referendum.
"They have now been caught red-handed of being part of a campaign of scaremongering," Mr Salmond said.
"I'm not making that position against any of the companies concerned but quite clearly if you brief market sensitive information last night to one broadcaster which is meant to be released at 07:00 BST this morning, it puts the Treasury fingerprints all over this story and it provides a spectacular example of the sort of campaign tactics of intimidation and bullying that have served the no campaign so badly."
Sir Jeremy Heywood, head of the civil service, rejected the suggestion. In a letter to the first minister, he said staff had merely "confirmed its understanding of RBS's contingency planning" judging this was important to "maintain financial stability".
He added that he had consulted Prime Minister David Cameron on the issue, who was clear that there had been no breach of the Ministerial Code.
In other referendum news....In other referendum news....
On 11 September 1997 Scotland voted overwhelmingly for devolution, leading to the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament after nearly 300 years. The latest opinion poll, by You Gov for The Sun and The Times, has suggested a "No" campaign lead by 52% to 48%. Two previous polls suggested the race was neck and neck.
SNP leader Mr Salmond used the anniversary to argue that a "Yes" vote for independence in the referendum next week would be a continuation of "Scotland's constitutional journey to date" and would mark "the opportunity of a lifetime". Seventeen years ago, Scotland voted overwhelmingly for devolution, leading to the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament after nearly 300 years.
He said: "Scotland is on the cusp of making history. The eyes of the world are upon Scotland. And what the world is seeing is an articulate, peaceful, energised debate. SNP leader Mr Salmond used the anniversary on Thursday to argue that a "Yes" vote for independence in the referendum next week would be a continuation of "Scotland's constitutional journey to date" and would mark "the opportunity of a lifetime".
"Scotland will vote 'Yes' next Thursday and they will vote 'Yes' because last-minute, cobbled up promises from the 'No' campaign which unravel at the slightest scrutiny will not fool anyone in this country and neither will the blatant bullying and intimidation of the Westminster government. "Scotland is on the cusp of making history. The eyes of the world are upon Scotland. And what the world is seeing is an articulate, peaceful, energised debate," he said.
"The 'No' campaign is in terminal decline. In contrast a 'Yes' vote is the opportunity of a lifetime. An opportunity to build a fairer more prosperous country." "Scotland will vote 'Yes' next Thursday and they will vote 'Yes' because last-minute, cobbled up promises from the 'No' campaign which unravel at the slightest scrutiny will not fool anyone in this country and neither will the blatant bullying and intimidation of the Westminster government."
Mr Salmond argued: "No-one is better placed to govern Scotland than the people of Scotland. No-one understands the aspirations of the people more." "The 'No' campaign is in terminal decline. In contrast a 'Yes' vote is the opportunity of a lifetime. An opportunity to build a fairer, more prosperous country."
He added: "The sense of purpose coursing through Scottish life is unmistakable. For the first time ever, Scots believe we can do this and we will do this."
The comments came after David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg made separate calls for Scots to vote "No" in the 18 September referendum.The comments came after David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg made separate calls for Scots to vote "No" in the 18 September referendum.
The three leaders have backed a plan of action spearheaded by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, which they have said would see work begin on the handover of new powers on 19 September, the day after the referendum.The three leaders have backed a plan of action spearheaded by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, which they have said would see work begin on the handover of new powers on 19 September, the day after the referendum.
Mr Miliband has been campaigning in Glasgow city centre alongside Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont, Labour peer and scientist Robert Winston and Labour MPs from across the UK. Labour leader Mr Miliband has been campaigning in Glasgow city centre alongside Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont, Labour peer and scientist Robert Winston and Labour MPs from across the UK.
Speaking by the statue of Donald Dewar, who became the first Labour First Minister of Scotland following devolution, the UK Labour leader said: "It is now clear what the choice is in this referendum.Speaking by the statue of Donald Dewar, who became the first Labour First Minister of Scotland following devolution, the UK Labour leader said: "It is now clear what the choice is in this referendum.
"Change with 'No' or huge risks with 'Yes'. With 'No', more powers for a stronger Scotland. With 'Yes', risks to jobs, the economy and the NHS.""Change with 'No' or huge risks with 'Yes'. With 'No', more powers for a stronger Scotland. With 'Yes', risks to jobs, the economy and the NHS."