Salmond’s glee at ‘happy coincidence’ of clashing cabinets

The Westminster and Edinburgh Governments are facing the ultimate diary clash after scheduling landmark meetings for the same day just miles apart.

Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to hold a Cabinet meeting in Scotland later this month uncomfortably close to where First Minister Alex Salmond will be conducting a Scottish Cabinet meeting at the same time.

The UK Cabinet meeting in the North East was meant to be a showpiece event in the independence battle demonstrating his government’s commitment to the union.

It’s been described as part of a “charm offensive” to convince Scottish voters to stay in the UK.

But it’s turned into a scheduling nightmare after it emerged Scottish ministers will conduct one of their monthly meetings around the country in Portlethen, seven miles outside Aberdeen.

Alex Salmond has dubbed this a “happy coincidence” in a letter to Downing Street and renewed his demands for a head-to-head debate on Scottish independence.

He’s written to the Prime Minister calling for a debate while the two leaders are in such close proximity.

The First Minister said: “There is now no hiding place for Mr Cameron.

“This is the ideal opportunity for David Cameron to meet and debate Scottish independence with me.

“He claims the referendum is a matter for Scotland, and nothing to do with him, then brings his entire Cabinet north.

“The Westminster Cabinet will be meeting in the area on the same day as the Scottish Cabinet is meeting in Portlethen.

“Will he finally accept this challenge to a head-to-head debate, or is he still feart?”

On a visit to Glasgow last summer David Cameron pledged to hold a Cabinet meeting in Scotland “later in the year” so his ministers could witness preparations for the Commonwealth Games. Instead he is expected to bring his ministers to the North East on February 24.

As well as holding their weekly get together ministers will embark on a series of high profile visits.

The Aberdeen area is the UK’s centre for oil and gas exploration and big reports into the future of the North Sea reserves and plans for a cutting edge carbon capture scheme at Peterhead are expected to be published soon, providing potential photo opportunities for Chancellor George Osborne and Energy Secretary Ed Davey.

Alex Salmond is taking his team of Scottish ministers around the country in the year of the independence referendum, once a month holding a Cabinet meeting and a public question and answer session in a different town. Last week they were in Bathgate where it was announced the next stop on his tour is Portlethen on February 24.

Despite the huge security operation that will be required with so many top level politicians in the same area, neither side is likely to back down for fear of being accused of running scared.

Number 10 would not confirm the time and place of the forthcoming Cabinet meeting in Scotland. A spokesman said: “The Prime Minister will be taking the Cabinet to Scotland in the coming weeks.”

The SNP claim polling shows voters in Scotland and across the UK favour a TV debate between Prime Minister and First Minister. Alex Salmond is believed to regularly write to Cameron asking for such an event however Cameron’s public response is that the referendum should be decided in Scotland and Salmond should debate with head of the No campaign Alistair Darling.