Edinburgh
If anyone had any doubts why Alex Salmond picked up almost every UK political award going last year, then they should study how he has dealt with the referendum issue this week. At every turn he has out-manoeuvred his UK counterparts — and this was perfectly demonstrated tonight.
Earlier today, in the Commons, Michael Moore, the Scottish Secretary, had delivered the UK government’s riposte to the SNP’s referendum plans. Mr Moore was considered, clever and smart. In fact, it was a first cogent and effective strike back by the UK government on this issue for more than a year.
But what will lead tomorrow’s papers in Scotland? It won’t be Mr Moore’s statement. It will be the simple, short sentence uttered by Salmond while the Commons debate was still in process. ‘The referendum will be held in the autumn of 2014,’ Salmond told the BBC, standing in front of a crackling open fire and two furled saltires, in a clip that will be played over and over again.
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