Alex Salmond’s plans for independence would leave Scotland with “less control over our economy, not more”, Labour leader Johann Lamont claimed during First Minister’s Questions.
Ms Lamont attacked what she insisted were “meaningless assertions” from the SNP government that an independent Scotland would have a say over monetary policy if it retained the pound.
She used yesterday’s FMQs for the second week to criticise the SNP’s claim that a separate Scotland would have the same influence that the UK Treasury does over the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee (MPC).
However, Mr Salmond insisted then that it would be “entirely reasonable” for a separate Scotland to be represented on the MPC, after it was reported that Professor David Blanchflower, a former member of the committee, backed the stance.
Prof Blanchflower said it was “probably not unreasonable” for an independent Scotland to have a seat on the bank committee.
Mr Salmond said Labour claims were based on the idea that the Scottish Government had “some influence and control” over the UK Chancellor.
He was also challenged on defence as Tory leader Ruth Davidson questioned whether an independent Scotland could train and run special forces to defend key locations, such as oil and gas platforms.
She suggested Scotland could be forced to rely on England for help as she asked whether Mr Salmond wanted to have “the special forces of another country being Scotland’s defence of last resort”.