Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy has challenged First Minister Alex Salmond to a "head to head" debate with him over Scotland’s future.
Prior to an appearance by both Mr Murphy and Mr Salmond at a conference this week, the Scottish Secretary has written to the First Minister suggesting the first ever public debate between the two positions. In his letter Mr Murphy told Mr Salmond that the conference - Scotland: The Possible Future - presented a "good opportunity" for them to debate the issues facing Scotland.
Mr Murphy also claimed there was many questions that "remain unanswered" about the SNP’s flagship policy of independence. Both Mr Murphy and Mr Salmond are keynote speakers at the conference, which is taking place in Edinburgh on Wednesday.
In his letter Mr Murphy points out to the First Minister that their speeches are "separated only by a coffee break". He suggested: "I thought it might be more interesting for the audience if, instead of speaking back to back, we went head to head in a straight debate on the future of Scotland."
The UK Government minister continued: "Many questions remain unanswered on the detail of your proposal of separating Scotland from the United Kingdom and this would be a fitting forum for this discussion.
"I am certain the organisers would allow us to combine our allotted slots and have a debate rather than just two separate speeches." Mr Murphy added: "I am sure you will agree with me that the public exchange of views is an essential and accessible part of any democracy.
"We have very different views on what Scotland's future should look like, and the event presents a good - and long overdue - opportunity for a debate between us to finally take place.
"I accept it is sometimes difficult to change our diaries at this short notice. However, we are both due to be in the same place at the same time and I think we risk missing a good opportunity to talk directly about some important issues facing the people of Scotland. I hope you agree."
However a spokesman for the First Minister said it was a "silly stunt" by Mr Murphy.
He stated: "This is another cack-handed attempt by Jim Murphy to draw attention to himself and sideline Iain Gray, who is supposed to be the Labour leader in Scotland. The First Minister was invited to open the conference, and that is exactly what he will do - maybe Jim Murphy is miffed because he wasn't asked to open it."
Mr Salmond`s spokesman also said: "The First Minister debates Iain Gray every Thursday afternoon at First Minister's Questions, he will debate the Prime Minister during the General Election, and debate all comers in the referendum campaign."
